How Surgical Ward Nurses Should Care For A Drain Tube After Surgery
Whenever a surgical operation involves opening up a body cavity, it is common practice to leave a drain tube in position for a couple of days. This is to facilitate the drainage of various fluids that may accumulate within the cavity. These include blood, serous fluid and pus. Different tubes exist to be used for different types of surgeries and wounds. This article addresses ways of maintaining a drain tube after surgery.
Fluid removals achieved by one of two mechanisms: passive and active methods. In the former type of mechanism, the fluid is made to flow freely under the influence of gravity. The active mechanism, in contrast, relies on a vacuum or a suction machine. The choice depends on a number of factors such as the type and the amount of fluid to be removed.
When the patient is released to the ward from the operating theater, the nurse on duty should perform the initial inspection. Things to look out for during this initial inspection include the presence of leakages, oozing or redness at the site. They should ensure that the drain has been firmly secured with a suture or a tape. It should be patent without any kinked or knotted areas. All the findings must be properly documented.
During subsequent ward rounds, the same routine should be repeated. In addition signs of sepsis need to be monitored. These will include for instance, the presence of fever, redness at the site of insertion, increased tenderness and increased ooze. The other members of the surgical team have to be informed as well so as to institute the next form of management. Blood cultures may have to be done so as to identify the organism involved.
It is recommended that observations be made at least every four hours with documentation of findings done every time. Patency should be confirmed before and after a patient is moved. Blockages are some of the commonest complications encountered. When a tube blocks, fluids tend to accumulate within the cavities and increase the chances of infections setting in. The result is delayed wound healing and longer hospital stay.
When a leakage occurs simple interventions such as reinforcement with dressings and adhesive tape are often effective. When the tubes become dislodged or blocked, the surgeon should be informed. On many occasions, replacements are needed with these types of cases. Granulation tissue is another major problem that requires surgical intervention due to adherence.
The tube is usually removed when it stops draining or if the amount of fluid drained in 24 hours is less than 25 milliliters. One of the techniques used is gradual withdrawal (about 2cm) per day so that the insertion site also heals gradually. Take note that if the tube has been in position for a prolonged period of time, it may be difficult to remove. Warn the patient that there will be some discomfort.
Once the tube has been removed, dressing of the wound continues and the site has to be monitored for signs of infections. Minimal leakage may continue and the wound is expected to heal within a week after which dressing is discontinued. Patients should be educated on how to look for danger signs both before and after removal.
Fluid removals achieved by one of two mechanisms: passive and active methods. In the former type of mechanism, the fluid is made to flow freely under the influence of gravity. The active mechanism, in contrast, relies on a vacuum or a suction machine. The choice depends on a number of factors such as the type and the amount of fluid to be removed.
When the patient is released to the ward from the operating theater, the nurse on duty should perform the initial inspection. Things to look out for during this initial inspection include the presence of leakages, oozing or redness at the site. They should ensure that the drain has been firmly secured with a suture or a tape. It should be patent without any kinked or knotted areas. All the findings must be properly documented.
During subsequent ward rounds, the same routine should be repeated. In addition signs of sepsis need to be monitored. These will include for instance, the presence of fever, redness at the site of insertion, increased tenderness and increased ooze. The other members of the surgical team have to be informed as well so as to institute the next form of management. Blood cultures may have to be done so as to identify the organism involved.
It is recommended that observations be made at least every four hours with documentation of findings done every time. Patency should be confirmed before and after a patient is moved. Blockages are some of the commonest complications encountered. When a tube blocks, fluids tend to accumulate within the cavities and increase the chances of infections setting in. The result is delayed wound healing and longer hospital stay.
When a leakage occurs simple interventions such as reinforcement with dressings and adhesive tape are often effective. When the tubes become dislodged or blocked, the surgeon should be informed. On many occasions, replacements are needed with these types of cases. Granulation tissue is another major problem that requires surgical intervention due to adherence.
The tube is usually removed when it stops draining or if the amount of fluid drained in 24 hours is less than 25 milliliters. One of the techniques used is gradual withdrawal (about 2cm) per day so that the insertion site also heals gradually. Take note that if the tube has been in position for a prolonged period of time, it may be difficult to remove. Warn the patient that there will be some discomfort.
Once the tube has been removed, dressing of the wound continues and the site has to be monitored for signs of infections. Minimal leakage may continue and the wound is expected to heal within a week after which dressing is discontinued. Patients should be educated on how to look for danger signs both before and after removal.
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