Reference no: EM133362187

The nurse is planning a teaching session for the client regarding post-operative self-care. What information regarding post-op care and surgical drain management after breast surgery would be indicated for the client goal of decreasing the risk of complications?

1. Practice deep breathing exercises at least 6 times a day.

2. Raise your arms to shoulder height three or four times a day and then lower them if you can do it without causing tension on your drains.

3. Begin range-of-motion exercises on the second postoperative day.

4. Do not use the arm on the same side of your surgery for brushing your teeth or brushing your hair for two weeks after surgery.

5. Notify the surgeon immediately for sudden bright red drainage, a temperature of 101°F (38 °C) or higher, redness, heat, or pus around the drainage tube incision site.

6. Record the color and amount of drainage on your drainage recording sheet.

7. The bulb of the surgical drain should only be compressed when you are emptying the drain.

8. Milk the drainage tubing before you empty and measure your drainage.

9. The surgical drain will be removed at the 1-week follow-up appointment with your surgeon.