Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

REMOVAL OF DRAINAGE TUBE

Removal of a drainage tube is performed only when ordered or authorized by local protocol and the patient’s condition and output indicate that removal is appropriate. The nurse prepares for pain and bleeding, uses aseptic technique, stops for resistance, and applies a suitable dressing while monitoring for complications.

Purpose

  • Remove a drain when it is no longer clinically required
  • Prevent infection and irritation from prolonged drainage
  • Assess wound closure and support continued healing

Indications

  • A documented order or approved protocol
  • Reduced or ceased output and satisfactory clinical review
  • A planned staged withdrawal or complete drain removal

Equipment

  • Sterile dressing set and sterile gloves
  • Clean gloves and PPE
  • Prescribed cleansing solution and sterile gauze
  • Suture cutter or sterile scissors
  • Appropriate dressing and adhesive tape
  • Waste bag and sharps container
  • Pain assessment tool and documentation record

Preparation

  • Provide analgesia as prescribed and ensure the patient can call for help after the procedure.
  • Review imaging, operative instructions, and the expected post-removal dressing and observation plan.

Procedure steps

  • Verify the order, drain type, output trend, site, allergies, patient identity, and any staged-removal plan.
  • Explain the procedure, possible pulling sensation, breathing instructions, consent, pain relief, and need to report symptoms.
  • Perform hand hygiene, prepare the sterile field, position the patient, protect the bed, and assess baseline observations.
  • Put on clean gloves, measure and record the current drainage, and remove the old dressing carefully.
  • Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and put on sterile gloves; cleanse the site and identify the securing suture.
  • Cut and remove the securing suture safely, keeping the drain controlled and avoiding injury to the surrounding skin.
  • Ask the patient to breathe as directed by the drain type and gently withdraw the drain with steady traction; stop if resistance or severe pain occurs.
  • Inspect the removed drain to confirm it is complete, apply pressure and a sterile occlusive dressing as indicated, and dispose of equipment safely.
  • Reassess pain, bleeding, breathing, vital signs, and the wound; report retained fragments, bleeding, respiratory change, or other concern immediately.
  • Document the order, drain and output details, removal time, integrity, dressing, patient response, education, and escalation.

Precautions

  • Do not remove a drain without authorization or when output and clinical review do not support removal.
  • Never force a drain against resistance; stop and obtain urgent clinical review.
  • Use drain-specific instructions for breathing and occlusive dressings, particularly for thoracic drains.
  • Monitor for bleeding, fluid leakage, infection, respiratory compromise, and recurrent collection after removal.

Aftercare

  • Keep the dressing clean and dry, monitor the site and vital signs, and support mobility safely.
  • Teach the patient to report fever, increasing pain, swelling, leakage, bleeding, or breathlessness.

Documentation

  • Record order, output, site condition, technique, drain integrity, dressing, observations, and patient tolerance.
  • Document specimens, clinician notification, complications, and follow-up instructions.

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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