Tubes and drains are a daily reality in nursing care. Whether it’s a chest tube, nasogastric (NG) tube, or Foley catheter, nurses play a critical role in ensuring safety, monitoring, and patient comfort. For registered nurses (RN nurses), mastering the basics of these devices is a must — and it’s also a high-yield NCLEX topic. This guide breaks down the essentials of each type, including do’s and don’ts to make your practice safer and easier.
🫁 Chest Tubes – Nursing Priorities
Chest tubes are used to remove air, fluid, or blood from the pleural space, helping the lungs expand properly.
✅ Do’s
- Keep the drainage system below chest level.
- Monitor for tidaling (water level fluctuations with breathing).
- Assess and document color, amount, and consistency of drainage.
- Encourage deep breathing and coughing (unless contraindicated).
❌ Don’ts
- Do NOT clamp the chest tube unless specifically ordered (risk of tension pneumothorax).
- Do NOT strip or milk the tubing routinely.
- Do NOT let the tubing kink or disconnect.
💡 “Electrolyte shifts can sometimes complicate chest tube patients. Learn more in our post on Electrolyte Imbalances in Nursing.”
NCLEX Tip: If the chest tube disconnects, place the open end in sterile water until reconnected.
🥤 NG Tubes – Nursing Basics
NG (nasogastric) tubes can be used for feeding, decompression, or medication administration.
✅ Do’s
- Confirm placement before use (X-ray is gold standard).
- Flush with sterile water before and after meds or feedings.
- Keep the head of bed 30–45° to prevent aspiration.
- Monitor for abdominal distension, nausea, or vomiting.
❌ Don’ts
- Do NOT give meds or feeds without verifying placement.
- Do NOT advance forcefully if resistance is met.
- Do NOT leave the patient flat during feedings.
💡 “Remember, monitoring vital signs is key when caring for patients with NG tubes. Review our quick guide on How to Measure and Interpret Vital Signs.”
NCLEX Tip: For suspected aspiration, stop feedings immediately and notify the provider.
🩸 Foley Catheters – Nurse’s Role
Foley catheters (indwelling urinary catheters) allow continuous urine drainage.
✅ Do’s
- Use sterile technique during insertion.
- Keep the collection bag below bladder level.
- Provide perineal care regularly.
- Assess urine output, color, and clarity frequently.
❌ Don’ts
- Do NOT allow dependent loops in tubing (backflow risk).
- Do NOT disconnect tubing unnecessarily (infection risk).
- Do NOT keep the bag on the floor.
💡 “If you want a detailed step-by-step on insertion and care, check out our full guide on Foley Catheter Nursing Care.”
NCLEX Tip: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common. Remove the Foley as soon as possible.
📌 Quick Nurse’s Checklist: Tubes & Drains Do’s & Don’ts
- Always assess first – drainage, placement, and patient comfort.
- Prevent complications – aspiration (NG), pneumothorax (chest tube), infection (Foley).
- Educate patients – explain purpose, safety, and mobility with tubes.
- Document everything – site condition, output, and interventions.
🧾 Final Thoughts for Nursing Students and RN Nurses
Whether you’re a nursing student preparing for the NCLEX or a registered nurse on the floor, knowing how to manage chest tubes, NG tubes, and Foley catheters is essential. These devices can save lives, but they also pose risks if not handled properly. Adding this knowledge to your nursing bundle of must-know skills will help you keep patients safe and succeed in your nursing career.
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