Pneumothorax
Troubleshooting

 

 Reviewed by Charge Nurse Newborn
October 2007
Clinical Guidelines Back Newborn Services Home Page
Blue Water goes up the Narrow Water Seal Tube Changing the Suction Pressure Is it normal for the pressure float to fluctuate up and down?

Blue water goes up the narrow water seal tube (e.g. to 10-15cm)

 This is due to a rise in the intrathoracic pressure.  The can be caused by using pressure to remove air by syringe from the chest (you should not need to have a syringe on the 3 way tap use a leur cap).

To correct : Depress the manual high negativity vent located on the top of the drain until the water seal column lowers to the desired level.  Do not lower water seal column when suction is not operating, or when on gravity-drainage only.  Temporarily connect to the wall suction first.

Changing the suction pressure

 To alter suction pressure rotate the suction regulator (A) located on the top left hand side of the drain.  Dial down to lower the pressure and up to increase the suction pressure.

Is it normal for the patient pressure float ball to fluctuate up and down (tidal) near the bottom of the water seal column?

 Yes.  Once baby’s air leak is resolved you can see moderate tidalling in the water seal column.
  • Increases in intra-thoracic pressure will cause the water level to rise (the ball rises) during baby’s inspiration and will lower during expiration.