Which statement about postmastectomy care is correct?

Which statement about postmastectomy care is correct?

• A. They may have drains in place.
• B. Drains are never used.
• C. Drains must be removed immediately after surgery.
• D. There is no need for limb alerts.

Answer: (A)

After mastectomy, it’s common for a surgical drain to be left in place for a while to remove excess fluid and blood, helping the area heal and reducing swelling and infection risk. The drain isn’t always present, but when it is, its removal is based on how much fluid is draining and the surgeon’s plan. It isn’t removed immediately after surgery, and keeping drains in too long or removing them too soon can interfere with healing. Protecting the arm on the side of the surgery is also important to prevent lymphedema and injury. That’s why limb alerts or similar precautions are used to avoid blood pressure, IVs, or venipuncture on that arm, and to guide safe care. So the statement that drains may be in place is the correct one.

After mastectomy, it’s common for a surgical drain to be left in place for a while to remove excess fluid and blood, helping the area heal and reducing swelling and infection risk. The drain isn’t always present, but when it is, its removal is based on how much fluid is draining and the surgeon’s plan. It isn’t removed immediately after surgery, and keeping drains in too long or removing them too soon can interfere with healing.

Protecting the arm on the side of the surgery is also important to prevent lymphedema and injury. That’s why limb alerts or similar precautions are used to avoid blood pressure, IVs, or venipuncture on that arm, and to guide safe care.

So the statement that drains may be in place is the correct one.