Surgical drains are used to remove blood, pus or other fluids from an area after an operation. The type of wound, type of surgery, expected drainage, needs of the patient and the preferences of the surgeon determine the type of drain to be used. Successful deployment of a drain tube after surgery depends on how well it is managed. There are simple considerations to ensure that the tubes serve their intended purpose.
There are different types of drains available for post surgery management. The surgeon will determine the type to be used based on a number of factors. Examples available in the market include include Penrose, Pigtail, Redivac and Jackson-Pratt. Each comes with unique advantages based on the wound being managed. Despite their differences, their management procedures do not vary significantly.
The nurse managing a patient with drains must assess performance on regular basis. The danger signs to watch-out for include leakage, redness and signs of ooze. When spotted, these danger signs should be brought to the attention of the management team. Drains are always located below the wound to facilitate natural drainage. Vital aspects that need to be documented to ease management include expected drainage, the need for suction and whether it is held in place using a tape or suture.
The treatment team must be notified if the area around the wound becomes red, tender or there is an increase in tenderness. These could be signs of an infection. It is safe to take blood cultures for further investigations. It is the level of output that determines the frequency of recording the amount of drainage. In case the tube is blocked, it will expose your patient to haematoma which is both painful and risky.
Drains should remain in place for the least number of days possible. There is a risk of infection if their use is prolonged. Granulation tissues are also likely to develop on the affected area. The tissues are extremely painful and traumatic to any patient. Any signs of infection must be communicated to the treatment and management team.
Proper management of drains should also be taught to relatives and friends interacting with the affected patient besides the recovering patient. This will help them avoid any situation that may affect its performance or cause more pain to the sick person. They should learn to identify danger signs like dislodged drains and communicate with the resident nurse. Their knowledge helps to minimize the chances of dangerous interference.
You must notify the doctor immediately you realize that flow has been lost. There are approved techniques of restoring drainage which must be conducted by a trained professional. During movement, the drain must be checked so that it does not pull on the wound or dislodge. In case of leakage, the management team should be notified immediately. Quick action needs to be taken to arrest the situation and protect patients from further complications.
It is rare for the tube to be blocked but regular checks are necessary. Discuss with the medical team in case you want to remove the drain. This procedure should also be communicated to the patient including the associated pain. It is carried out when the fluid hits the expected level on the monitoring chart. Proper care of the entry site will protect the wound from infection.
There are different types of drains available for post surgery management. The surgeon will determine the type to be used based on a number of factors. Examples available in the market include include Penrose, Pigtail, Redivac and Jackson-Pratt. Each comes with unique advantages based on the wound being managed. Despite their differences, their management procedures do not vary significantly.
The nurse managing a patient with drains must assess performance on regular basis. The danger signs to watch-out for include leakage, redness and signs of ooze. When spotted, these danger signs should be brought to the attention of the management team. Drains are always located below the wound to facilitate natural drainage. Vital aspects that need to be documented to ease management include expected drainage, the need for suction and whether it is held in place using a tape or suture.
The treatment team must be notified if the area around the wound becomes red, tender or there is an increase in tenderness. These could be signs of an infection. It is safe to take blood cultures for further investigations. It is the level of output that determines the frequency of recording the amount of drainage. In case the tube is blocked, it will expose your patient to haematoma which is both painful and risky.
Drains should remain in place for the least number of days possible. There is a risk of infection if their use is prolonged. Granulation tissues are also likely to develop on the affected area. The tissues are extremely painful and traumatic to any patient. Any signs of infection must be communicated to the treatment and management team.
Proper management of drains should also be taught to relatives and friends interacting with the affected patient besides the recovering patient. This will help them avoid any situation that may affect its performance or cause more pain to the sick person. They should learn to identify danger signs like dislodged drains and communicate with the resident nurse. Their knowledge helps to minimize the chances of dangerous interference.
You must notify the doctor immediately you realize that flow has been lost. There are approved techniques of restoring drainage which must be conducted by a trained professional. During movement, the drain must be checked so that it does not pull on the wound or dislodge. In case of leakage, the management team should be notified immediately. Quick action needs to be taken to arrest the situation and protect patients from further complications.
It is rare for the tube to be blocked but regular checks are necessary. Discuss with the medical team in case you want to remove the drain. This procedure should also be communicated to the patient including the associated pain. It is carried out when the fluid hits the expected level on the monitoring chart. Proper care of the entry site will protect the wound from infection.
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