Question

A physician calls the nurse for an update on his client who underwent abdominal surgery 5 hours ago. The physician asks the nurse for the total amount of drainage collected in the Hemovac since surgery. The nurse reports that according to documentation, no drainage has been recorded. When the nurse finishes on the telephone, she goes to assess the client. Which assessment finding explains the absence of drainage?

Answer 1

The Hemovac drain isn't compressed; instead it's fully expanded.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hemovac is a drain that removes any blood or other fluids that may accumulate in an area where surgery has been performed. In order for this drain to function properly, it must be compressed, ie the hemovac must be compressed and not fully expanded for efficient drainage. For this reason, the nurse reports to the doctor that she has no report of any drainage to the patient.