Is It Normal To Be Discharged From the Hospital With Drainage Tubes, and How Will I Take Care of Them?

R.N. Carolyn Weaver answers the question: 'Taking care of drainage tubes?'

ByABC News
September 24, 2007, 3:15 PM

— -- Question: Is it standard practice (and safe) to be discharged from the hospital with drainage tubes, and if so, how will I take care of them?

Answer: I know that's a common fear for women undergoing breast cancer surgery, but yes, it is a safe and acceptable practice to be discharged with a drainage tube. Before you're discharged from the hospital, your nurse will help you and family members appropriate, learn how to take care of that too.

In many cases, we arrange for a visiting nurse to come out to the home to monitor how you're doing with care of your drainage tube, and answer any questions that you may have.

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