What are drains, and why do they matter? How can we maintain the proper functioning of our drains and keep them clean? In this article, we’ll explore what to look for when it comes to drain maintenance and how to ensure your drains remain in top working order. We’ll also discuss common causes of clogged or blocked drains and some of the best practices to keep them free-flowing. By learning about drains and how they work, you can prevent costly repairs or the need for professional drain cleaners.
Table of Contents
What is Drain in Nursing?
Drains are an essential component of patient care. They allow removing fluid, pus, or other substances from a wound cavity to promote healing and reduce infection. Drains come in various shapes and sizes, with different materials used depending on their purpose. In healthcare settings, drains are often placed during surgery to ensure that any unwanted substances are removed quickly and safely. It prevents the buildup of liquid that could lead to infection or other complications. Drains may also be used as a preventative measure in specific procedures, such as joint replacement surgeries.
Types of Drains
Drains come in various shapes and sizes, each with its purpose. Some common types of drains used in healthcare include:
• Closed Suction Drain: These are commonly used after surgery to remove excess fluids, such as blood or lymphatic fluid. They consist of a rubber tube inserted into the wound cavity and connected to suction. It allows the fluid to be removed without having to open the wound.
• Open-Ended Drain: These can be used for drainage and irrigation, as they have both an inlet and outlet port. The inlet is placed into a wound cavity to collect unwanted fluids or material, while the outlet is connected to suction to remove the material.
• Jackson-Pratt Drain: These are typically used after surgeries involving removing organs or tissue. They consist of a rubber tube with several holes in it, which is inserted into the wound cavity and connected to suction. The holes allow fluids and other materials to be drained away, preventing air from entering.
• Penrose Drain: These are commonly used in burn victims to reduce the risk of infection. They are made from a soft rubber material and have several small holes along their length, allowing fluid to be drained away without air entering the wound.
• IR Percutaneous Drain: This type of drain is typically used in patients who need to have continuous drainage of fluid or materials from their body. It consists of a thin tube inserted through the skin and connected to suction, allowing long-term drainage.
• Gravity Drain: These are simple drains used for short-term drainage. They consist of a tube placed into the wound cavity and connected to suction, allowing fluids to be removed without constantly monitoring the wound.
Preparing Patients for Drain Insertion
Several factors need to be considered when designing a patient for drain insertion. These include:
• Assessing the risk of infection: Before inserting a drain, assessing the patient for any signs or symptoms is essential. It can help identify potential complications and reduce the risk of further infections.
• Evaluating wound healing: If the wound is not healing as expected, it may be necessary to insert a drain to prevent further complications. It should only be done with the patient’s consent and after careful consideration of potential risks.
• Determining which type of drain is needed: Different drains can be used depending on the patient’s specific needs. This includes assessing the type of wound, how large, and what material needs to be removed.
• Ensuring proper placement: Once a drain has been selected, it is vital to ensure it is inserted correctly to achieve optimal results. This includes carefully noting where the tube will enter the body and the angle at which it will be inserted.
• Monitoring drainage: After insertion, the drain should be monitored regularly to ensure it works properly and produces the desired results. This includes checking the amount of drainage being produced and any changes in color or odor.
By considering all these factors before inserting a drain, healthcare professionals can ensure that the procedure is successful and safe for the patient.
Drain Maintenance: Cleaning and Replacing the Tube
It is essential to follow the recommended maintenance guidelines. To ensure that a drain remains effective:
• Cleaning the tube: The drain must be cleaned regularly to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of infection. This includes using sterile water to flush out any debris or fluid from the tube and then drying it off with a new, sterile cloth.
• Replacing the tube: Drains should be replaced periodically to ensure they remain effective. This includes changing the tubing every two weeks or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Checking for blockages: It is also essential to regularly check the drain for any signs of blockages or obstructions. This can help prevent further complications or the need for more invasive treatments.
• Monitoring the patient: The patient should also be monitored closely to ensure that their condition is not deteriorating and that any changes in health are noted. This includes checking for signs of pain or infection and monitoring any drainage from the tube.
Monitoring Drain Output: Recording Volume and Characteristics of Fluid
Drains can be an invaluable tool for monitoring the health of a patient. To ensure accuracy, it is essential to record certain information each time the drain is checked:
• Volume of fluid: This should include the amount of fluid drained since the last check and any new drainage produced during the inspection.
• Characteristics of fluid: It is also important to note any changes in the appearance or smell of the drained fluid. This can help healthcare professionals identify any potential issues and take appropriate action.
• Frequency of checks: The frequency with which the drain needs to be checked should also be noted. Depending on the type and severity of the wound, this could range from every few hours to once a day.
• Complications: Any complications or side effects should be recorded to address them quickly and appropriately.
By keeping accurate records of drain output, healthcare professionals can ensure that the patient receives optimal care and that any potential issues are identified early on.
Final Words
Drains are essential and useful medical devices. They can help remove excess fluid from a wound or other body area, providing relief and improved healing outcomes in many cases. Nurses and healthcare professionals must understand how to correctly manage drains correctly, as improper use can lead to severe complications. Proper education on drain management should be provided to nurses and healthcare professionals so that the best care can be delivered to patients.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.