A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is postoperative and has a closed-wound drainage system in place. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale A closed-wound drainage system operates via negative pressure (suction) to facilitate fluid removal and prevent stasis, which could impede healing or promote infection. After emptying the reservoir, it must be fully compressed or "re-collapsed" before sealing the drainage port to re-establish the suction, ensuring continuous, effective wound drainage. Choice B rationale The reservoir should be emptied more frequently than once per day, specifically when it is one-half to two-thirds full, or according to facility policy. This action maintains the negative pressure (suction) and prevents the drainage tube from being occluded, promoting optimal wound drainage and decreasing the risk of skin excoriation. Choice C rationale Irrigating a closed-wound drainage system is not standard procedure and is generally contraindicated, as it can potentially introduce pathogens into the sterile wound bed, significantly increasing the risk of a wound infection. The system is designed to drain passively under negative pressure. Choice D rationale The drainage plug is replaced while maintaining the compression (negative pressure) on the reservoir. Releasing hand pressure before sealing the plug would cause the reservoir to re-expand and lose the vacuum, thereby rendering the suction ineffective for continued wound drainage.