“Straight” or “Open” Drain
Definition:
A type of wound drainage system that uses gravity to remove fluid from the wound site.
There’s no collection device — the fluid drains directly onto an absorbent dressing.
Key Points:
•
Works by gravity (no suction).
•
Higher infection risk since the wound is open to air.
•
Fluid flows freely onto gauze or absorbent pads.
Example:
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Penrose Drain:
o
A soft, flat latex tube that allows passive drainage.
o
Commonly used in abdominal surgeries or after incision and drainage
(I&D) of an abscess.
o
One end of the tube sits in the wound, and the other end exits through the
skin to allow drainage.
Nursing Considerations:
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Keep sterile dressings around the drain site.
•
Change dressings as ordered and measure/describe drainage.
•
Watch for signs of infection (redness, odor, pus).
•
Prevent the drain from slipping back into the wound by securing it properly (often
with a safety pin near the exit site).