During a postoperative period following cholecystectomy, the client has a T-tube connected to gravity drainage. The nurse knows that the purpose of the T-tube is to:
A)Maintain patency of the common bile duct
B)Reduce the occurrence of postoperative bleeding
C)Prevent infection
D)Reduce bile flow into the duodenum

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The purpose of the T-tube is to maintain the patency of the bile duct after surgery. Localized edema in the surgery area tends to obstruct the outflow of bile, which is continuously being synthesized by the liver. The T-tube does not directly prevent postoperative bleeding or postoperative wound infection. A secondary effect of this procedure is that bile flow is directed away from the duodenum.

During a Postoperative Period Following Cholecystectomy, the Client Has a T-Tube