Final answer:
The last step a nurse should take when calculating intake and output with a Jackson-Pratt drain is to pour the drainage into a calibrated container to measure the output accurately while maintaining aseptic technique.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is calculating intake and output for a patient, including the output from a Jackson-Pratt drain attached to the patient's flank, it is imperative to ensure accuracy and maintain sterility. After documenting the amount of output from the Jackson-Pratt drain, the last step should involve pouring the drainage into a calibrated container. This is crucial to measure the exact amount of fluid that has been drained. To minimize the risk of contamination during this step, the nurse should hold both the drain and the container at an angle and take care to avoid contact between the container's rim and the drainage spout. Once the volume is measured, the nurse may then compress the reservoir to re-establish suction for continuous drainage.
Throughout this process, it is essential that the nurse follows proper aseptic techniques. This includes cleaning the drainage spout with an antiseptic swab prior to emptying the content and closely examining the tube and container for any signs of damage or blockage before reattaching them to the patient. The nurse should also verbally confirm that any related procedural steps have been carried out—that the procedure as recorded is accurate, needle, sponge, and instrument counts are complete, and that any collected specimens are correctly labeled with the patient's name and any equipment issues have been addressed.