Reflection on Active Surgical Drain Removal: A Nursing Skill Task

This reflective journal entry details a nursing student's experience with removing an active surgical drainage tube. The reflection covers the preparation, procedure, and post-procedure activities, including patient interaction, aseptic techniques, and documentation. The student reflects on feelings of nervousness and the importance of confidence in performing the procedure correctly. Key aspects of the experience, such as patient identification, building a therapeutic relationship, and proper suction release, are analyzed. The student acknowledges a weakness in documentation due to a power outage and resolves to improve this skill. The reflection concludes with an action plan for further research, skill development, and confidence-building, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practice and adherence to clinical procedures.

Running head: REFLECTION ON THE REMOVAL OF SURGICAL DRAINAGE TUBE 1
Reflection on the Removal of Active Surgical Drainage Tube
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

REFLECTION ON THE REMOVAL OF SURGICAL DRAINAGE TUBE 2
Description
I was required to remove an active surgical drainage tube from a patient after surgery.
Before that, I was to identify the indication and the appropriateness of the procedure. I then
recognized the correct patient for the procedure. I developed a therapeutic relationship with the
patient by introducing myself and explaining the method of removing the surgical drainage tube.
Therapeutic relationship improves the quality of medication towards the patient (Pazargadi,
Fereidooni Moghadam, Fallahi Khoshknab, Alijani Renani, & Molazem, 2015). I gathered the
necessary equipment for the procedure and ensured an appropriate administration of analgesia. I
proceeded to position the patient appropriately and performed the five moments of hand hygiene.
I then put on the non-sterile gloves, released the suction set up, and removed the dressing.
I cleaned the region around the drainage with 70% alcohol before removing the Drainage tube. I
then dressed the site using appropriate and sterile techniques. Afterward, I cleaned, replaced, and
disposed of the drainage tube. I then documented the relevant information about the entire
process in the hospital computer. I then assessed the outcome and recorded my findings.
Feelings
During the process of removing the surgical Drainage tube, I fell short of confidence and
was nervous in the early stages. However, I realized that the procedure removes blood and other
tissue fluids that can gather at the surgical site. Failure to remove the Drainage tube can result in
other infections (Dougherty, & Lister, 2015). I also felt that I had to apply the appropriate aseptic
technique when removing the dressing. As an RN, I have to uphold hygiene at all times to ensure
that my patient is safe from contamination. I also thought that I had to follow the procedure to
end up with desirable outcomes. Therefore, I was careful when removing the drainage and
dressing the surgical site. Every nurse should master the skill of removing a surgical drainage

REFLECTION ON THE REMOVAL OF SURGICAL DRAINAGE TUBE 3
tube; since the technique is applicable worldwide (Crisp, Douglas, Rebeiro, & Waters, 2016).
Therefore, it was essential that I regain the confidence to ensure that the procedure is a success. I
carried out a thorough assessment of the patient, a move that impressed my supervisor.
Evaluation
Successful removal of active surgical drainage tube is a procedure that every nurse
should master. During my experience, a majority of the processes went well apart from a few. I
identified the correct patient and also succeeded in building a therapeutic relationship. I was also
successful in gathering the required equipment and performing the five hand hygiene. I also
succeeded in injecting the patient with the analgesia. Furthermore, I successfully released the
suction set-up during the procedure. Releasing the suction minimizes the chances of tissue
damage during the removal of the drainage (Christelis et al., 2015). The removal of the Drainage
tube and dressing the area went as I had planned. The cleaning of the site using 70% alcohol was
successful as medical attention proceeded. The cleansing of the site keeps it away from bacterial
or viral infections (Conti, Katzap, Poli‐de‐Figueiredo, Pagnussatti, & Figueiredo, 2018).
Additionally, the cleaning makes the suture visible easing its removal. However, documenting
the information on the entire procedure did not go as I had planned. The power outage occurred
when I was almost through with entering the information on the computer. However, apart from
the power blackout, the other procedures went well. The hospital should have a power back-up to
ensure complete documentation of activities in the hospital.
Analysis
When focusing at my experience, I acknowledged the essence of observing the correct
guidelines and procedures during the drainage removal. Recent research has indicated that
caregivers should understand and successfully perform the post-operative process to ensure

REFLECTION ON THE REMOVAL OF SURGICAL DRAINAGE TUBE 4
patient safety (Pearce, 2017). I first reviewed the essence of identifying the correct patient for the
procedure and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with the patient. Identification of the right
patient eliminates the chances of medication mistakes. The establishment of a therapeutic
relationship improves the outcome of the medical attention. Furthermore, explaining the
procedure to the patients enables them to make informed decisions. The patients can also offer
their opinion on treatment when the nurse encourages them to be free with the caregiver.
The process of releasing the suction and removing the dressing was successful due to my
undivided attention towards offering quality treatment. The proper suction release protects the
tissues from potential damage as the operation continues. The seamless removal of the dressing
ensures an easy time for drainage removal (Jarvelainen, Cooper, & Jones, 2018). I succeeded in
cleaning the drainage; since I used 70% alcohol during the procedure. The cleansing procedure
prevents the infection of both the patient and the caregiver with germs. I also applied the relevant
dressing on the removal site due to the importance of proper dressing in the removal of the
drainage.
I also cleaned, replaced, and disposed of the used equipment. Furthermore, I applied my
assessment skills to evaluate the outcome of the procedure. The positive reaction of the patient
assured me that the method was successful. Therefore, a caregiver who follows the standard
operating procedures provides quality medical attention to the patient (Clayton, Isaacs, &
Ellender, 2016). The only aspect that did not go according to plan is the documentation aspect.
My supervisor was not convinced with my skills on that regard. Therefore, I resolved to improve
on documentation to enhance the credibility of my skills and knowledge.
Conclusion

REFLECTION ON THE REMOVAL OF SURGICAL DRAINAGE TUBE 5
The reflective practice has assisted me to understand my strengths and weaknesses that I
can polish to better my practice. Additionally, the reflective exercise, I have learned that I have
excellent knowledge of the removal of the active surgical drainage tube. I also learned about the
essence of the therapeutic relationship, and hand hygiene in nursing practice. Through the
exercise, I have understood the suggestions that I should embrace to improve my skills and
knowledge. I should upgrade my documentation skills after attending to the medical needs of the
patient.
Action Plan
I performed well in removing the Drainage tube; however, I need to perfect my skills as
a registered nurse. I intend to conduct additional research on the post-operation process. I also
plan to improve my documentation skills after medical attention. In the procedure, I used 70%
alcohol as the cleaning solution; thus, I intend to research other options. I felt nervous and short
of confidence at the beginning of the process. I plan to improve on my confidence during
medical attention. Evidence-based practice is essential for the safety of Australian patents
(Leach, Hofmeyer, & Bobridge, 2016). Furthermore, caregivers should follow clinical
procedures to eliminate medication errors (Twigg, & McCullough, 2014).

REFLECTION ON THE REMOVAL OF SURGICAL DRAINAGE TUBE 6
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