A client asks why a drain is in place to pull fluid from the surgical wound. what is the best response by the nurse?

It assists in preventing infection.

Explanation: A wound drain assists in preventing infection by removing the medium in which bacteria would grow. The purpose of the wound drain is not to remove necrotic tissue or to decrease the number of dressing changes. Stating that most surgeons use wound drains does not answer the patient's question appropriately. This procedure, therefore, improves the healing process of the wound and prevents festering.