This programed course, intended primarily for registered nurses and particularly for those returning to practice after a period of retirement, may also have value for other nursing personnel. The general objective is to assist the nurse in the hospital to improve the quality of the nursing care given to the patient placed on a closed chest drainage system. Units are Anatomy and Physiology, Rationale of Therapy, and The Apparatus. The material is to be used by the individual student, and two separate sessions totaling three to four hours are recommended for the completion of the course. An optional review is included following the section on anatomy and physiology for the use of students who, on the basis of their knowledge, desire to omit this section. Numerous diagrams are presented and a reference list is included. (JK)