Medical Surgical Nursing NCLEX RN Questions Related

Review Medical Surgical Nursing NCLEX RN Questions related questions and content

At 8 a.m., the nurse reviews the amount of T-tube drainage for a client who underwent an open cholecystectomy yesterday. After reviewing the output record (see chart), the nurse should:

  • A. Report the 24-hour drainage amount at 12. Clamp the T-tube.
  • B. Evaluate the tube for patency.
  • C. Irrigate the T-tube.
  • D. Continue to monitor the drainage.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The T-tube should drain approximately 300 to 500 mL in the fi rst 24 hours and after 3 to 4 days the amount should decrease to less than 200 mL in 24 hours. With the sudden decrease in drainage at 8 a.m., the nurse should immediately assess the tube for obstruction of flow that can be caused by kinks in the tube or the client lying on the tube. Drainage color must also be assessed for signs of bleeding. The tube should not be irrigated or clamped without an order.