PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

While changing a dressing on a client with a closed-suction drain, which action is essential for the nurse to take?

1. Secure the drainage tube to the client's bedding.

2. Cleanse the drainage plug with alcohol swabs.

3. Wear sterile gloves to empty the drainage system.

4. Cut absorbent gauze dressing around the drainage tube.

The correct answer is: Cleanse the drainage plug with alcohol swabs.

The essential action for the nurse to take when changing a dressing on a client with a closed-suction drain is to cleanse the drainage plug with alcohol swabs. This step is crucial for preventing infection because the drainage plug is a potential source of contamination. By cleaning it with alcohol swabs, the nurse helps ensure that any microorganisms present on the surface are removed before the drain is connected or manipulated, thereby maintaining the sterility of the closed system. The focus on cleanliness and infection prevention is critical in managing drains, as these devices can provide a pathway for pathogens to enter the wound or the body. Proper aseptic technique, including the disinfection of hubs and drains, is necessary to minimize the risk of postoperative infections. This emphasizes the importance of preparation and fallibility in the handling of sterile devices. In contrast, while securing the drainage tube to the client's bedding, wearing sterile gloves, and cutting the gauze dressing may be important aspects of care, they do not specifically address the prevention of infection related to the use of a closed-suction drain to the same extent as cleansing the drainage plug does.