After emptying 80 ml of sanguineous drainage from a Jackson-Pratt drain, what should the nurse do next?

The appropriate action to take after emptying sanguineous drainage from a Jackson-Pratt drain is to compress and close the drain to ensure suction. This step is vital because the Jackson-Pratt drain relies on a vacuum effect created by the closed system. By compressing the drain and sealing it, the nurse reinstitutes suction, which is essential for effectively removing any additional fluid and preventing fluid accumulation in the wound site.

Maintaining effective suction helps facilitate drainage and promotes healing by reducing the risk of complications such as seromas or hematomas. If the drain is left open to air, the suction will be lost, reducing its effectiveness and possibly delaying recovery.

It is also unnecessary to replace the drain immediately based on the amount of drainage emptied, as drains are typically left in place to continue assisting with fluid removal until the physician decides it is appropriate to remove them. While monitoring drainage output and informing the physician about significant changes is an important part of patient care, the immediate next step involves ensuring the drain is functioning correctly to promote proper drainage.