Question

A nurse is planning care for a client who is post-operative following a laparotomy and has a closed suction drain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to manage the drain?

A) Clamp the drain when the collection chamber is full.
B) Empty the drain every 8 hours.
C) Milk the drain tubing to promote drainage.
D) Keep the drain below the level of the incision.

Answer 1

The nurse should keep the closed suction drain below the level of the incision to aid drainage by gravity, empty it as required, which could be every 8 hours or as per output and physician's orders, and exercise caution with interventions like 'milking the tubing' according to the facility's protocols.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct action the nurse should take to manage a closed suction drain after a laparotomy is D) Keep the drain below the level of the incision. This is to ensure that gravity aids in the drainage process, helping to prevent fluids from collecting at the site and reducing the risk of infection. It's not typically recommended to clamp the drain when the chamber is full as clamping might be performed only during drain maintenance or as instructed by a physician. However, it is important for the nurse to empty the drain as needed, which could be every 8 hours or more frequently, depending on the volume of output and specific orders. Milking the tubing, or gently compressing and sliding fingers along the tubing, should be done with caution to prevent trauma to the tissues and should only be performed if there is an order from the physician and as per the facility's policy. The overall management of a post-operative drain requires careful assessment, accurate measurement of the drained fluid, ensuring the device is patent and functional, and maintaining sterile technique.