Help with p/p on removal of JP drains.

We have pre-printed order sheets for the post op joints and spinal surgeries that also list drain orders. The MD just checks them off.

If drains put out more than 240 cc (this is off hand and might be a bit higher) in one 8 hour period, uncharge them for 8 hours.
If drains put out less than 30cc, then pull on POD 1; otherwise all drains are to be removed on POD 2.

JP drains are usually stitched in. Hemovacs usually aren't (some of our md's do stitch in hemovacs for hips). UNCHARGE before you pull it.

A word about sutures: Some of our docs place purse-string sutures to their JP sites. If there are purse-string sutures, you don't remove them, because you're going to pull them together and tie them for site closure after the tube is pulled.

I would also suggest that if the docs want you guys to pull their drains, that they initially inservice you on it. Then you can inservice and check off any new people after you.