The nurse is caring for a patient who has a wound drain with a collection device. The nurse notices that the collection device has a sudden decrease in drainage. Which action will the nurse take next?
a. Call the health care provider; a blockage is present in the tubing.
b. Chart the results on the intake and output flow sheet.
c. Do nothing, as long as the evacuator is compressed.
d. Remove the drain; a drain is no longer needed.
ANS: A
Because a drainage system needs to be patent, look for drainage flow through the tubing, as well as around the tubing. A sudden decrease in drainage through the tubing may indicate a blocked drain, and you will need to notify the health care provider. The health care provider, not the nurse, determines the need for drain removal and removes drains. Charting the results on the intake and output flow sheet does not take care of the problem. The evacuator may be compressed even when a blockage is present.
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