Skin & Sun Safety
Recovery
HOW TO CHANGE YOUR SURGICAL DRAIN DRESSINGS
HOW TO CHANGE YOUR SURGICAL DRAIN DRESSINGSTRANSCRIPTTo prevent infection and keep your surgical drain healthy, you will need to change thedressings covering the tube insertion site on a regular basis, usually once a day unlessthe dressings get wet or soiled. If they do, change them right away.To change your dressings, have your supplies handy in a clean workspace. Weargloves or wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.Remove your old dressings carefully and throw them away in a plastic trash bag. Ifthere is blood on the dressings, wrap them in a small plastic bag, like a sandwich bag,and then throw it in the trash.Clean the skin around your insertion site thoroughly. You can use soap and water or asaline solution on a small piece of gauze to gently clean the area. Pat the area dry.Next, put the new dressings on your insertion site and secure them with medical tape.Wash your hands thoroughly again.Remember to change your dressings every day, or as directed by your healthcareprovider. Develop a routine to help you remember when to change them. You maywant to set an alert on your phone or post a reminder so you don’t forget.Keeping all of your surgical drain equipment clean, including the dressings, isimportant to prevent infection. If you have any questions about how to change yourdressings, or any other part of your surgical drain care, contact your healthcareprovider.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_qc_10030_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
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