Component Task: Care of Drainage Tube

This is the aseptic management of drainage tube inserted in a wound to help draw out exudates from the wound bed. There are two main types of drainage tubes used; namely: the close system and open system. The removal of the tube is based on rate of healing, hospital’s protocol and the surgeon’s discretions.

Aims

·         Decompress and drain fluid or air from a wound

·         Aid wound healing

·         Treat wound infections

Requirements

a.      A trolley containing the following:

·         Top shelf (a Sterile field with the following sterile items)

·         Two (2) or three (3) gallipots for lotions

·         Two (2) kidney dish

·         Two (2) pairs of dressing forceps

·         Two (2) pairs of dissecting forceps

·         Sinus forceps

·         Probe

·         Sterile pair of scissors

b.      Bottom shelf with the following:

·         Dressing lotion

·         Sterile cotton and gauze swab in a drum/pack

·         Mackintosh and dressing towel

·         Adhesive tape/strip

·         Bandage

·         A pair of scissors

·         Apron

·         Disposable gloves

·         Sterile gloves

·         Receiver for used dressings

Steps

1.        Establish rapport

2.      Explain procedure to patient and reassure him/her

3.      Provide privacy

4.      Perform hand hygiene

5.      Prepare and send tray to patient’s bedside

6.      Protect bed linen with dressing mackintosh and towel

7.       Position patient to expose wound site and fold over bed clothing

8.      Wear disposable gloves and open wound

9.      Remove soiled dressing from the wound and assess the wound for signs of healing and leakage of exudate

10.    Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene

11.      Wear sterile gloves

12.    Grasp the protruding end of the drainage tube with an artery forceps and clip/clamp the tube in position

13.    Remove any stitch holding the drainage tube in position with the scissors

14.    Gently turn/twist the drainage tube with the wound to loose it if it is a tubular drain

15.    Use the forceps gently to pull the drain out of the wound for a distance

16.    Cut the excess tubing off with sterile scissor if it is a corrugated/penrose drain

17.    Swab with cleansing lotion until clean

18.    Apply sterile dressing and apply adhesive strips/plaster

19.    Note amount of drainage and document

20.  Dispose off used items, decontaminate trolley and instruments

21.    Document findings in patient’s chart