What should the nurse do to reestablish the vacuum of the Hemovac ...

[bucstennis@aim.com]

What should the nurse do to reestablish the vacuum of the Hemovac system after emptying?
 
  a. Place a safety pin on the part of the drain outside the body.
  b. Replace the cap immediately after emptying.
  c. Pin the drainage tubing to the patient's gown.
  d. Place the Hemovac on a flat surface.

Question 2

When using a foam dressing, the nurse recognizes that:
 
  A. No secondary dressing is required
  B. Either side may be applied facing the wound
  C. Some brands may need to be moistened before they are removed
  D. Discoloration of the foam is an indication of an infection

[onowka]

Answer to Question 1

D
Place the evacuator on a flat surface with the open outlet facing upward; continue pressing downward until the bottom and the top are in contact; hold the surfaces together with one hand, quickly cleanse the opening and the plug with the other hand, and immediately replace the plug; and then secure the evacuator to the patient's bed. Compression of the surface of the Hemovac creates a vacuum. Cleansing of the plug reduces transmission of microorganisms into the drainage evacuation. Be sure the Penrose drain has a sterile safety pin in place. This pin prevents the drain from being pulled below the skin's surface. Compress the bulb of a JP drain over the drainage container. Cleanse the ends of the emptying port with an alcohol sponge while continuing to compress the container. Replacing the cap immediately prevents tension on the drainage tubing, but does not help to reestablish the vacuum.

Answer to Question 2

C
C. Check removal directions for specific brand of dressing that is being used. Some brands need to have old dressing soaked or moistened for removal.
A. Apply secondary dressing, if needed (check manufacturer's directions).
B. Make sure you know which side of foam dressing should be placed towards wound bed and which side should be facing away from wound bed.
D. Hydrocolloid dressings interact with wound fluids and form a soft whitish-yellowish gel, which is hard to remove and may have a faint odor. These are normal occurrences and should not be confused with pus or purulent exudate, wound infection, or deterioration of the wound.