Identify the following drain that is denoted in the image.

NORCET 2 - 2021 (shift-1)

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 2 - 2021 (shift-1)

Explanation

The device shown in the image is a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain.
It is identified by its characteristic grenade-shaped, compressible bulb connected to drainage tubing.
This type of drain works as a closed-suction system, using negative pressure created by the compressed bulb to pull excess fluid (like blood or serous fluid) from a surgical site.
This process helps reduce the risk of hematoma or seroma formation and decreases the dead space in the wound, which promotes healing.

Option A: A negative pressure airway is a respiratory device used to assist with breathing or clear secretions from the airway. It is not a surgical drain for fluid collection from a wound.
Option B: A colostomy involves a surgically created stoma that connects the colon to the abdominal wall. A pouch is worn over the stoma to collect feces. The device in the image is for fluid suction, not fecal diversion.
Option D: A nephrostomy tube is a catheter inserted directly into the kidney to drain urine into an external collection bag. It is used when there is a blockage in the ureter. It does not use a compressible bulb for suction.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification and management of surgical drains as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate identification of surgical drains is a fundamental nursing skill required for safe postoperative care.
Nurses are responsible for maintaining drain function, monitoring output, assessing for complications like infection or blockage, and educating the patient on home care.
What if? If the JP drain bulb is found fully expanded, it means suction is lost. The nurse's first action should be to check for kinks in the tubing and ensure the plug is securely closed. If no issue is found, the nurse should attempt to re-compress the bulb. If it still won't stay compressed, the provider should be notified as the drain may be clotted or dislodged.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the image provided. Identify the key components of the medical device shown: the tubes, the collection container, and how it's attached to the patient.
Note the specific features: the collection container is a soft, pliable bulb that appears to be compressible (often described as grenade-shaped). It is connected to tubing that goes into the patient's body.
Evaluate each option based on your visual analysis.
Option A (Negative pressure airway): Recall that airway devices are for breathing and look very different.
Option B (Colostomy tube): Recall that a colostomy involves a stoma and a collection bag for stool, not a suction bulb.
Option C (JP Drain): This matches the visual evidence of a compressible bulb used for closed-wound suction.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification and management of surgical drains.
Stem keywords: drain, image
Lead-in keywords: Identify
Clinical cues: Presence of two bulb-like collection devices connected to tubing from the abdomen.

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

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 1094-1096