An example of an Open Drainage system used in surgical wounds is:

Appeared in: GMCH - 2016

Explanation

The Penrose drain is a soft, flexible rubber tube used as an open drainage system.
It functions via capillary action, allowing fluid and blood to drain from the wound bed onto an external absorbent dressing.
Unlike closed systems, it does not have a collection chamber and relies on gravity and wicking to remove exudate.
A sterile safety pin is often placed at the external end of the drain to prevent it from slipping back into the wound.

Option A: The Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is a closed drainage system, not an open one.
Option B: The Hemovac drain is a closed drainage system that uses a spring-loaded container to create stronger, constant negative pressure suction.
Option C: The T-Tube is a closed drainage system specifically placed in the common bile duct after biliary tract surgery to drain bile.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Surgical Drainage Systems (Open vs. Closed) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are responsible for managing surgical drains, which includes assessing the site, emptying the drain, measuring and documenting the output (color, consistency, amount), and maintaining suction for closed systems.
Proper drain care is critical for preventing infection, reducing hematoma formation, and promoting wound healing.
A sudden decrease or cessation of drainage from a previously productive drain can indicate a clot or kink in the tubing, which requires immediate nursing assessment and intervention.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question stem: 'Open Drainage system'.
Second, recall the definition of an open drainage system: a system that drains fluid from a wound onto a dressing without a collection reservoir.
Third, evaluate each option based on this definition.
Jackson-Pratt and Hemovac have collection devices (bulb and chamber, respectively), so they are closed systems.
A T-tube drains into a collection bag, making it a closed system.
The Penrose drain is a simple tube that allows fluid to seep out onto a gauze pad, fitting the definition of an open system. Therefore, it is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 1 p. 122-124

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 p. 101-103

Practise the full GMCH - 2016

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.