8.

Using two gauze pads cover the drain tube site.

Fold one pad in half. With the folded

edge

up

, place it

under

the tube(s).

Fold the other pad in half, with the folded edge

down

and place it

over

the tube(s).

9.

Tape the dressing in place. A dressing should remain over the tube insertion site.

Replace it when it becomes soiled.

10. Below the dressing you may tape the drain tube securely to the skin to prevent it from

being dislodged.

11. Wash your hands again when you have completed these steps.

12. Following removal of the drain, continue to clean the area with soap and water. Apply

a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the drain site and cover with a band-aid until

completely healed.

Special Instructions

Notify your doctor or nurse if:



Your temperature is higher than 101*F (38*C).



The drain site becomes red or swollen or has foul smelling drainage.



The stitch at the drain site is not in place.

Emptying the Drains

The drains will be emptied and measured twice daily, once in the morning and again in the

evening. A drain output sheet will be provided for you to record the time and amount of

output. For example, at 9:00 A.M open each bulb and, using the markings on the bulb

(which are 25, 50, 75, and 100), record the amount of output from each bulb separately. At

9:00 P.M. you will repeat this process.

To calculate the total output for a 24-hour period you will add the A.M. and P.M. amounts

together. Each drain output amount is totaled separately. Drains are removed when they

are individually draining less than 30cc in a 24-hour period.

Do not shower until the drains are removed. Until the drains are removed only sponge

baths are permitted.