AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

Which of the following is a type of passive drain?

1. Jackson-Pratt

2. Penrose

3. Hemovac

4. Gravitational

The correct answer is: Penrose

The Penrose drain is considered a type of passive drain because it relies on gravity and natural tissue pressures to allow fluid to flow from the surgical site into the external environment without the assistance of suction. Once inserted, the Penrose drain facilitates gravity-dependent drainage, allowing fluids to move out of a wound or body cavity and thus helping to prevent fluid accumulation or potential infection. This is in contrast to active drains, which often use suction to actively remove fluid. For instance, drains like Jackson-Pratt and Hemovac utilize suction to promote fluid removal, while gravitational methods are not classified as drains but rather refer to the natural force facilitating the drainage process in passive systems. The distinction lies in how the drainage occurs—either through natural forces or assisted mechanisms.