Drain Removal
PREREQUISITE NURSING KNOWLEDGE
• Goals of wound care should be clearly outlined so that proper wound care products are used after drain removal. The wound care products selected are based on the size, location, and care of the wound bed needs and include continued moisture management.
• Continue to monitor the wound bed after drain removal; mark dressing for presence of leakage after drain removal and continue to monitor.
• Apply appropriate dressing after drain removal. Coarse gauze absorbs wound fluid but may adhere to wound bed; calcium alginates, foams, and hydrofiber dressings enhance wound absorption; hydrogels provide moisture to nondraining wounds; hydrocolloids provide wound moisture with minimal absorption; and film dressings are for nonexudating wounds.3–7
• Drains are placed in wounds to facilitate healing by providing an exit for excessive fluid accumulation in or near the wound bed. Drains may be removed when drainage is considered to be minimal.1,7
• Type of drain, location, and how the drain is secured should be known before drain removal. Competence should be demonstrated by the clinician performing drain removal because significant tissue injury may result from an improperly removed drain.1 With drain removal, never force removal of the drain. If resistance is felt, stop and notify healthcare provider.
• Common surgically placed wound drains include Hemovac (Zimmer Inc., Warsaw, IN), bulb suction drain (e.g. Jackson-Pratt or JP drain), and Penrose. Negative-pressure wound therapy devices may also be placed to assist with wound drainage.2
