Chest Drain Observation Chart

Affix Bradma Label Date and time of

Seldinger chest drain: 12F 18F
insertion:
Wide‐bore chest drain: 20F 22F 24F 26F 28F
Ward:
Indication: Pleural effusion  Pneumothorax 
Consultant: Empyema  Other ………………..

Following insertion observe chest drain:

 Every 15 minutes for the first hour; Every hour for the next 3 hours and every 4 hours until removal  Record the amount and type of drainage
 Observe site for signs of infection/disconnection/air leak and/or displacement  Ensure patient is comfortable and give analgesia as required
 Ensure drainage bottle is positioned correctly below the level of the chest  Refer to Trust policy for further information

Red bottle
Blue bottle

connections

prescription
Underwater

Chest drain

Chest drain

water level
seal intact

in suction

Signature
Swinging

setting at
Tubing &
Bubbling

Drainage

Bubbling
HOURLY
drainage

drainage
changed
checked

running

Suction

Suction
Correct
Bottle
type *

bottle
intact

Band
total

wall
Site
Date Time

y/n y/n C/P/B/SS y/n y/n dry/wet y/n mls mls ….cmH20 y/n y/n ……KPa
Every 15
minutes
for the first
hour

Every
hour for
the next 3
hours

*Drainage type: C = clear P = purulent B = blood SS = serosanguineous

 Band
Signature
……KPa

Suction
setting at
wall
Correct
water level
y/n

in suction
Red bottle

bottle
y/n

Bubbling
….cmH20

Suction
prescription
Chest drain
drainage
mls

running
total
HOURLY
Chest Drain Observation Chart

Chest drain
mls

drainage
Bottle
y/n

changed
dry/wet

Site
checked
Tubing &
y/n

connections
intact

SS = serosanguineous
Underwater
y/n

seal intact
C/P/B/SS

Drainage
Blue bottle

type *

B = blood
y/n

Bubbling
y/n

Swinging

P = purulent
Time

*Drainage type: C = clear

Date