JACKSON-PRATT (J-P) DRAIN AND INSERTION SITE CARE
Wash your hands.
Strip tubing THREE TIMES a day (more often if there are a lot of blood clots). Grasp the tubing close to your body with one hand and pull toward your body. With your other hand, grasp the tubing below the first hand. Using an alcohol swab, pinch tubing tightly, sliding your fingers down the tubing and away from your body; repeat this 2 or 3 times. Be sure that the drainage is flowing into the bulb. (It is okay if the tube becomes flat from the suction.) Pinching of the tube may also help to break away clots or tissue blockage.
Empty bulbs into a small measuring container 3 times a day (more often if there is a lot of drainage or the bulb feels heavy). To do this, open the small lid on top of the bulb and pour the drainage into the container. Then squeeze the bulb and hold while replacing the lid. The bulb needs to be collapsed to be effective. Pin the bulb to your clothing so the weight of it will not pull on the insertion site.
Measure the drainage and record the amount each time that you empty the bulb. Hold the container at eye level to read the numbers on the side of the container. Read the numbers in the "ml" column and record the amount on the 24-hour collection sheet.
Once a day, clean the insertion site using cotton tipped swabs and a solution of 1/2 water and 1/2 peroxide or betadine.
Apply a clean drain sponge around the insertion site daily. You may change it more often if it becomes heavily soiled. Call if there is a larger then 1 inch area of drainage on your dressing.
Your drain will remain in place for 1 to 3 weeks. If your drain is left in beyond your first postoperative visit, call your doctor or nurse when the drainage is 30 ml. per 24 hours for 2 days in a row. Arrangements can then be made for the drain to be removed.
File Download: Jackson Pratt Drain Care Collection Sheet
