Drains are vital in post-surgery management of wounds. They help in eliminating pus, blood and liquid remnants after an operation. Their use is determined by the preference of the surgeon, the type of operation, expected drainage, resulting wound and if the patient needs drains for proper healing. Management of a drain tube after surgery determines the rate and success of any healing process.
There exist a variety of drains that can be used in post-surgery treatment. They include the Pigtail, Redivac, Penrose and Jackson-Pratt tubes. Each fits a particular area of the body, type of wound and is used depending on management ease it provides to the treatment team. However, despite the glaring differences, there are general management requirements that apply to all drains.
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 in case certain danger signs are detected. These signs include tenderness around the wound and increasing redness. These are signs of an emerging infection that must be contained as soon as possible. Take blood samples and subject them to further tests. A chart should be created to monitor the quantity of drainage. There is the danger of haematoma if the tube gets blocked. This is a very painful and risky health situation.
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 requires the assistance of both the patients and relatives or friends assisting with care or regularly interacting with him. Inform them of the right position so that they can alert the management team in case of discrepancy. They also should understand the risks associated with dislodged tubes. Patient must understand the pain associated with any movement and how to minimize it.
The surgeon in charges must be alerted if drainage stops. He will initiate necessary measures to restore the flow in a professional way without hurting or endangering the life of your patient. Quick actions must also be taken in the event of a leakage. There are possibilities of health complications if the leaking fluid gets to other body tissues.
Tubes rarely get blocked but it is still necessary to monitor their performance. This should be done in consultation with the team managing the patient. During removal discuss the procedure with the surgeon, the management team and your patient. Patients need to understand the resulting pain and how to take care of any wound at the insertion point. Drains are removed after the flow has hit the expected level. The insertion wound needs proper treatment.
There exist a variety of drains that can be used in post-surgery treatment. They include the Pigtail, Redivac, Penrose and Jackson-Pratt tubes. Each fits a particular area of the body, type of wound and is used depending on management ease it provides to the treatment team. However, despite the glaring differences, there are general management requirements that apply to all drains.
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 in case certain danger signs are detected. These signs include tenderness around the wound and increasing redness. These are signs of an emerging infection that must be contained as soon as possible. Take blood samples and subject them to further tests. A chart should be created to monitor the quantity of drainage. There is the danger of haematoma if the tube gets blocked. This is a very painful and risky health situation.
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 requires the assistance of both the patients and relatives or friends assisting with care or regularly interacting with him. Inform them of the right position so that they can alert the management team in case of discrepancy. They also should understand the risks associated with dislodged tubes. Patient must understand the pain associated with any movement and how to minimize it.
The surgeon in charges must be alerted if drainage stops. He will initiate necessary measures to restore the flow in a professional way without hurting or endangering the life of your patient. Quick actions must also be taken in the event of a leakage. There are possibilities of health complications if the leaking fluid gets to other body tissues.
Tubes rarely get blocked but it is still necessary to monitor their performance. This should be done in consultation with the team managing the patient. During removal discuss the procedure with the surgeon, the management team and your patient. Patients need to understand the resulting pain and how to take care of any wound at the insertion point. Drains are removed after the flow has hit the expected level. The insertion wound needs proper treatment.
About the Author:
You can visit www.medicaldrain.com for more helpful information about Managing A Drain Tube After Surgery.
No comments:
Post a Comment