Drainage
Ensure slide clamps on drain tubing are open to allow for drainage.
Tubing is rigid but care should be taken to ensure there are no kinks or obstruction that may inhibit drainage. Avoid unnecessary loops in tubing.
Document hourly the amount of fluid in the drainage chamber on the fluid balance chart.
Calculate and document total hourly output if multiple drains.
Calculate and document cumulative total output.
Notify medical staff if there is sudden increase in the amount of drainage.
Greater then 5ml/kg in 1hr.
Greater then 3ml/kg consistently for 3 hours.
For chest drain losses immediately post operatively please refer to:PICU Intranet : Cardiac post-operative patient reception to PICU.
Blocked drains are a major concern and Redivac drains have a smaller internal diameter than a UWSD.
Notify medical staff if a drain with ongoing losses suddenly stops draining.
Monitor colour/type of drainage. If there is a change, eg: haemoserous to bright red, or serous to creamy, notify medical staff.