Drain Care at Home HF#4603



1. Clean around drain insertion sites with Q-tips® using a solution of normal saline twice a day.

 

2. A dry gauze dressing may be applied around the drain site if desired.

 

3. "Strip" drains 4-5 times daily.  Grasp the rubber part of the tubing closest to your body and clamp between the thumb and index finger of one hand.  Holding this end closed between your fingers, use the thumb and index finger of your other hand and pinch off the tubing right below. Move your fingers down the tubing while you keep it pinched off.  The fluid in the tubing should move toward the drainage bottle.  A small amount of oil on your fingers or an alcohol swab may make it easier to "strip" the drains.

 

4. Observe your drain sites for any sign of increased pain, redness, swelling, or pus-like drainage. Call your doctor if this occurs.

 

5. Observe the drainage in your drain tubing.  It should range from a dark red to straw colored.  If you notice any pus-like drainage in your tubes, call your doctor.

 

6. Call you doctor for any fever above 100.5º F.

 

7. Empty and measure the amount of drainage in your drains twice daily.  Keep a record of the amount and bring this information to your next clinic visit.  Your doctor will want to know this to help determine when to remove the drains.

 

8. Always keep suction in your drains.  There are two different types;

a. Reliavac drain - open the drain and squeeze several times on the rubber bulb on the top of container until the balloon inside is totally filling the inside container.  Recap the opening. (Diagram B)

 

b. Bulb-type drain - open drain and compress the entire drain in one hand.  Recap the opening with your other hand. (Diagram A)

9. The saline solution may be kept up to one week after opening in the refrigerator.

 

10. You may shower with the drains in place.  Let the soap and water run over the incisions adn the drain sites.  Do not soak in the tub.

 

11. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the ___________ Clinic at _________________ .

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drainage Measurements

 

	Morning				Evening				24 Hour Total
Date	Drain 1	Drain 2	Drain 3	Drain 4	Drain 1	Drain 2	Drain 3	Drain 4	Breast	Abd Back

 

 

 

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 09/20/2011

Copyright © 09/20/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4603

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