Use of drains after surgery is a common practice. They have been shown to assist in decompressing the site. When the air and fluid that accumulates in the location do not find a way out, serious issues will come up. Proper surgical drain management is essential to increase the chances of success.
The caregiver can analyze the fluid characteristics to make the proper diagnosis. In addition, a lot of information can be gotten from evaluating the color of the fluid. Maintenance of the conduits is essential to avoid serious problems.
The management is usually governed by the location, purpose and type of the conduit. However, the instructions and preferences of the surgeon ought to be followed. It is good for the care provider to ask for written protocols from the surgeon to ensure that everything is followed to the latter.
The conduit can be closed or open. The open ones are made from plastic sheets or corrugated rubber. The fluid or air is directed to a stoma bag or gauze pad. To note is that the patient will be at an increased risk of suffering from infections. Therefore, the professional providing care should come up with ways of minimizing the risk. The closed conduits are seen in orthopedic, abdominal or chest operations. The infection risk is low when they are used. Thus, they are used in many instances.
Suction is essential in active drains. However, the passive ones do not necessary require this. The pressure difference between the atmosphere and body cavities is enough to keep them going. When the drains are made from rubber, they are likely to elicit allergic reactions. They should only be used when there is no any other alternative. Because the conduits can slip out, they need to be properly secured. Such a situation can easily lead to death.
Reading and charting the amount and type of fluid released is essential. Odd observations and even significant changes should be relayed to the appropriate person. If this is not done, the problems will blow up and a life might be lost. The common fluids discharged from the site include bile, pancreatic secretions and even blood.
The volume discharged can give important information on the kind of replacements to be done. The process is very essential to protect the patient from hypovolemic shock. The conduits should be removed immediately the objectives are achieved. When they are left in position for long, the patient will end up suffering from further complications. Besides this, he or she will be traumatized. Remember that they restrict the patient from significant movements and performance of other tasks. The sooner they are removed the better.
They tubes should not be removed at once. When this is done, the wound is not given enough time to heal. The patient should pull out 2 cm every day until the whole tube is out. The wound will have time to heal. However, removal of the entire drain in one day will interfere with healing. The patient might suffer from acute pain upon discharge. He or she will have to return to the hospital for further management.
The caregiver can analyze the fluid characteristics to make the proper diagnosis. In addition, a lot of information can be gotten from evaluating the color of the fluid. Maintenance of the conduits is essential to avoid serious problems.
The management is usually governed by the location, purpose and type of the conduit. However, the instructions and preferences of the surgeon ought to be followed. It is good for the care provider to ask for written protocols from the surgeon to ensure that everything is followed to the latter.
The conduit can be closed or open. The open ones are made from plastic sheets or corrugated rubber. The fluid or air is directed to a stoma bag or gauze pad. To note is that the patient will be at an increased risk of suffering from infections. Therefore, the professional providing care should come up with ways of minimizing the risk. The closed conduits are seen in orthopedic, abdominal or chest operations. The infection risk is low when they are used. Thus, they are used in many instances.
Suction is essential in active drains. However, the passive ones do not necessary require this. The pressure difference between the atmosphere and body cavities is enough to keep them going. When the drains are made from rubber, they are likely to elicit allergic reactions. They should only be used when there is no any other alternative. Because the conduits can slip out, they need to be properly secured. Such a situation can easily lead to death.
Reading and charting the amount and type of fluid released is essential. Odd observations and even significant changes should be relayed to the appropriate person. If this is not done, the problems will blow up and a life might be lost. The common fluids discharged from the site include bile, pancreatic secretions and even blood.
The volume discharged can give important information on the kind of replacements to be done. The process is very essential to protect the patient from hypovolemic shock. The conduits should be removed immediately the objectives are achieved. When they are left in position for long, the patient will end up suffering from further complications. Besides this, he or she will be traumatized. Remember that they restrict the patient from significant movements and performance of other tasks. The sooner they are removed the better.
They tubes should not be removed at once. When this is done, the wound is not given enough time to heal. The patient should pull out 2 cm every day until the whole tube is out. The wound will have time to heal. However, removal of the entire drain in one day will interfere with healing. The patient might suffer from acute pain upon discharge. He or she will have to return to the hospital for further management.
About the Author:
You can get a complete review of the advantages you get when you use surgical drain management services at http://medicaldrain.com right now.
0 comments:
Post a Comment