[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Nursing](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/) › [Medical–surgical nursing](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/areas/med-surg/) › Breast cancer surgery: the drain, arm exercises, lymphoedema prevention and body image # Breast cancer surgery: the drain, arm exercises, lymphoedema prevention and body image - Safe practice After breast surgery the nurse teaches drain care, gentle use of the arm, how to protect it from lymphoedema and makes room for feelings about the body. Updated Nov 13, 2026 ## Key points - Teach the person to empty, measure and record the drain output as instructed; the surgeon decides when it comes out, usually within one to two weeks. - Use the arm on the operated side for daily activities and do only the exercises the physiotherapist or surgeon has shown. - Lymphoedema warning signs: tightness, heaviness, aching, rings or sleeves getting tight, weakness or redness of the arm. - Have blood tests, IV lines and injections in the other arm when possible, and avoid tight sleeves or jewellery on the affected arm. - Report redness or swelling of the arm with fever (38 °C or higher), and a wound that is red, warm or draining pus. ## What it is After a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery, many people go home with one or more drains, a stiff shoulder and, if lymph nodes were removed, a lifelong risk of swelling of the arm on that side (lymphoedema). Nursing care covers the general post-operative care plus four specific tasks: teaching how to empty, measure and record the drain; encouraging use of the arm and the exercises the physiotherapist or surgeon has shown; protecting the arm from infection, constriction and injury; and supporting the person as they adjust to the change in their body. General drain and post-operative care are on their own pages. ## What it requires - The general post-operative checks, plus the drain output recorded at each emptying. - Shoulder movement and arm use encouraged from the start, within the surgeon's limits. - A sign or note on the chart about the arm to protect, when the institution uses one. - Skin care and injury prevention for the affected arm, taught before discharge. - Time to talk about body image, prosthesis and support groups. ## How it is applied (and why) - Check the drain and record the amount and appearance of the output each time it is emptied — the surgeon uses the record to decide when to remove it. - Teach the person and a family member to empty, measure and record the drain before discharge — most people go home with it. - Encourage normal use of the arm for eating, combing and dressing, and the exercises the physiotherapist has taught — this reduces shoulder stiffness. - Place IV lines, blood draws and injections in the other arm when possible — this protects the arm at risk of lymphoedema. - Teach daily skin care of the arm: clean, moisturise, gloves for gardening and cooking, insect repellent and sunscreen — breaks in the skin can start infection. - Advise avoiding tight clothing, jewellery and bag straps on the affected side, and raising the arm when resting — this is part of lymphoedema self-care. - Teach the warning signs of lymphoedema and infection and whom to call — these signs need a prompt call. - Offer time to talk about the change in the body, prosthesis options and support groups — adjusting to the loss of a breast takes time. ## In nursing practice - Report fever, a wound that bleeds or looks red, hot or swollen, thick yellow or green drainage, or pain not relieved by the ordered medicines. - Report swelling of the arm or breast on the operated side, or breathlessness or a cough that does not settle. - Shoulder, chest and arm stiffness is common and improves with time and physiotherapy. - Ask the surgeon or nurse about a post-surgery bra or a camisole with drain pockets. - Report swelling that lasts more than one to two weeks, or skin breaks that do not heal. ## Common mistakes - Letting the person go home without knowing how to empty and record the drain. - Telling the person not to use the arm at all after surgery. - Taking blood or placing an IV in the arm at risk without need. - Teaching about the wound but not about lymphoedema. - Leaving body image out of the discharge conversation. ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## What should the person do with the drain at home? Empty it, measure and record the output as instructed, and bring the record to follow-up; the surgeon decides when it is removed. ## Which signs suggest lymphoedema of the arm? Tightness, heaviness or aching, rings or sleeves getting tight, weakness, or swelling and redness of the arm. ## Why are blood draws and IV lines placed in the other arm when possible? To protect the arm at risk of lymphoedema from skin breaks and infection. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/nursing/breast-cancer-surgery-the-drain-arm-exercises-lymphoedema-prevention-and-body-im/) ## Connections ## Related 3 - [Surgical wound drains: emptying, measuring and care](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/surgical-wound-drains-emptying-measuring-and-care/) - [Self-concept and body image after illness or surgery](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/self-concept-and-body-image-after-illness-or-surgery/) - [Postoperative care on the ward: the first 24–48 hours](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/postoperative-care-on-the-ward-the-first-24-48-hours/) ## Related conditions 2 - [Breast cancer](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/breast-cancer/) - [Lymphoedema](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/lymphoedema/) [← All of nursing](https://durgical.com/en/nursing/) Educational content for students; it does not replace your institution's protocols, supervised clinical training or a prescriber's order. Dose-calculation examples use made-up numbers: they are educational, not a clinical order. Sources: [Mastectomy - discharge: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000244.htm) (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026); [Lymphedema - self-care: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000045.htm) (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/nursing/breast-cancer-surgery-the-drain-arm-exercises-lymphoedema-prevention-and-body-im/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/nursing/breast-cancer-surgery-the-drain-arm-exercises-lymphoedema-prevention-and-body-im/