What are the risks of having a Jackson-Pratt drain?
The JP drain site may be painful. You may have trouble lying on the side with your JP drain. Your JP drain site may leak. The JP drain may be pulled out by accident. The tubing may get blocked, crack, or break. The tubing may damage your tissue. You may have a scar. The JP drain site may get infected. This infection could spread inside your body.
When should I call my caregiver?
Call your caregiver if:
You drain less than 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) in 24 hours. This may mean your drain can be removed.
You suddenly stop draining fluid or think your JP drain is blocked.
You have a fever higher than 101.5°F (38.6°C).
You have increased pain, redness, or swelling around the drain site.
You have questions about your JP drain care.
When should I seek immediate help?
Seek immediate help if :
Your JP drain breaks or comes out.
You have cloudy yellow or brown drainage from your JP drain site, or the drainage smells bad.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.