What are drainage catheters used for in post-surgical care?

Drainage catheters are specifically designed to remove excess fluids, such as blood, serum, or other fluids, from the surgical site after a procedure. This is crucial in managing potential complications such as hematomas or seromas, which can impede healing and lead to infection. By facilitating the elimination of these fluids, drainage catheters help to maintain an optimal environment for healing, reduce the risk of infection, and allow for better observation of post-surgical progress. The use of these catheters is particularly important in surgeries where significant blood loss or fluid accumulation is expected.

In contrast, the other options refer to different medical functions. Providing oxygen is typically achieved through respiratory devices, while medication is administered via different routes such as intravenous or oral methods. Connecting to a ventilator pertains to respiratory support, which is unrelated to the function of drainage catheters. Thus, the specific role of drainage catheters in removing fluids is what makes this answer the most accurate.