Clinical Procedures: Drains, Probes, Enemas, and Catheterization

Understanding Essential Clinical Procedures

This document provides a concise overview of various medical procedures and devices commonly used in patient care, including drains, probes, enemas, and catheterization techniques. It aims to clarify their purposes, indications, and key steps.

Medical Drains and Probes

This section covers various medical drains and probes, detailing their functions and applications in patient care.

1. What Are Medical Drains?

Medical drains are devices used to facilitate the evacuation of organic liquids (septic or aseptic) and air, establishing communication with the outside of the body.

2. Understanding Chest Drains

A chest drain is an aspiration system used to evacuate accumulated liquid or air from the pleural space, restoring its pressure and re-expanding a collapsed lung.

3. Purposes of the Levin Probe

The Levin probe is used for several purposes, including obtaining samples of gastric juices, draining stomach contents, and performing gastric lavage (stomach washing).

4. Rectal Tube for Gas Expulsion

A rectal tube, typically about 30 cm long and made of hard material with a blunt, wide end and a hole, is inserted into the anus to facilitate gas expulsion.

5. Measuring a Nasogastric (NG) Tube

The nasogastric (NG) tube is typically measured from the earlobe to the nose, and then from the nose to the xiphoid process (sternum). Note: The original text had conflicting information; this is the standard medical practice.

6. Purposes of Nasogastric Intubation

• Administering food and medications.
• Aspirating gastric contents for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons.
• Relieving abdominal distention.
• Performing gastric lavage (stomach washing).

Enema Procedures

Learn about different types of enemas, their indications, and how they are used in clinical settings.

7. Purposes of Cleansing Enemas

Cleansing enemas serve various purposes, including bowel preparation (cleaning), diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic interventions.

8. When Are Cleansing Enemas Prescribed?

• To relieve constipation.
• To clean and prepare the bowel prior to radiological studies, endoscopy, or surgical procedures.
• Before delivery (in some cases).
• Prior to administering a retention enema.

9. Indications for Oily Enemas

Oily enemas are indicated for patients with chronic constipation, especially when a fecal impaction (fecaloma) is present or when hemorrhoids make stool passage painful. The oil helps to soften the stool and lubricate the rectum.

Urinary Catheterization

Key considerations for performing urinary catheterization, focusing on female patients.

10. Key Steps for Female Catheterization

Essential Preparations:

1. Inform the patient about the procedure, its purpose, and any potential discomfort.
2. Perform thorough hand hygiene (wash hands).
3. Use sterile, disposable gloves.
4. Protect the bed with an absorbent pad or guard.