postural drainage

drainage /drain·age/ (drān´ij) systematic withdrawal of fluids and discharges from a wound, sore, or cavity.

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capillary drainage  that effected by strands of hair, surgical gut, spun glass, or other material of small caliber which acts by capillary attraction.

closed drainage  drainage of an empyema cavity carried out with protection against the entrance of outside air into the pleural cavity.

manual lymph drainage  the application of light rhythmic strokes, similar to those of effleurage, in the direction of the heart to increase the drainage of lymph from the involved structures.

open drainage  drainage of an empyema cavity through an opening in the chest wall into which one or more rubber drainage tubes are inserted, the opening not being sealed against the entrance of outside air.

postural drainage  therapeutic drainage in bronchiectasis and lung abscess by placing the patient head downward so that the trachea will be inclined below the affected area.

through drainage  that achieved by passing a perforated tube through the cavity, so that irrigation may be effected by injecting fluid into one aperture and letting it escape out of another.

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postural drainage

n.

A therapeutic technique for drainage, used in bronchiectasis and lung abscess, in which the patient is placed head downward so that the trachea is down and below the affected area.

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Postural drainage

This technique uses the force of gravity to assist in effectively draining secretions from the lungs and into the central airway where they can either be coughed up or suctioned out. The patient is placed in a head or chest down position and is kept in this position for up to 15 minutes. Critical care patients and those depending on mechanical ventilation receive postural drainage therapy four to six times daily. Percussion and vibration may be performed in conjunction with postural drainage.

Mentioned in: Atelectasis, Chest Physical Therapy, Spinal Cord Injury

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postural drainage,

the use of positioning to drain secretions from specific segments of the bronchi and the lungs into the trachea. Coughing usually expels secretions from the trachea. Also called bronchial drainage.

method Positions that promote drainage from the affected parts of the lungs are selected. Pillows and raised sections of the hospital bed are used to support or elevate parts of the body. The procedure is begun with the patient level, and the head is gradually lowered to a full Trendelenburg's position. Inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the mouth are encouraged. Simultaneously the nurse or other health care provider may use cupping and vibration over the affected area of the lungs to dislodge and mobilize secretions. The person is then helped to a position conducive to coughing and is asked to breathe deeply at least three times and to cough at least twice. See also cupping and vibrating.

interventions A patient who is dyspneic or who has hemoptysis or signs of cerebral hemorrhage, increased intracerebral pressure, or lung abscess is not placed in a head-down position without caution and a specific medical order. Suction is kept available in all cases in which the patient may not be able to expel the secretions that have drained into the trachea. The patient's tolerance for the procedure and the position is carefully observed. Fatigue is prevented.

outcome criteria Effectiveness of the procedure depends on positioning that allows drainage by gravity and on liquefaction, ciliary action, and effective breathing. As the secretions are cleared, the patient becomes better able to breathe, is more comfortable, and may move about more freely; thus the respiratory passages may remain freer of obstructing secretions and resume their expected function. Also called bronchial drainage.