What Are the Key Nursing Points for T-Tube Drainage?
The focus of T tube care is to ensure that the T tube drainage is fully unobstructed, properly fixed, and to prevent infection of the tissues surrounding the T tube. After liver incision for stone removal, a T tube drainage needs to be placed. When the T tube enters the lower Oddi sphincter or when intestinal function is poor, the condition of the bile duct can be observed through T tube drainage. What are the key points of T tube drainage care?
1. Proper fixation. Avoid detachment due to pulling during turning over, moving, or activities. For patients with emotional agitation or agitation, they should be monitored by a designated person or appropriately restricted to prevent the T tube from being pulled out.
2. Maintain unobstructed drainage. When lying flat, the drainage tube should be lower than the axillary region, and when standing or moving, it should be lower than the abdomen to prevent bile reflux and infection.
3. Observe and record the color and nature of the drainage volume. During the first 24 hours after surgery, the drainage volume decreases by approximately 300~500ml, often appearing pale red, brown, or dark brown; subsequently, the drainage gradually increases, becoming light yellow, gradually darkening to golden yellow and bright; as the distal end of the biliary tract becomes unobstructed, the drainage volume gradually decreases.
4. Prevent infection. For patients with long-term catheterization, replace the sterile bag 1~2 times per week. Keep the skin around the drainage tube dry.
5. Pay attention to the position of the T tube. In some cases, such as the shedding of ligation sutures or the growth of certain tissues in the body, the T tube may move outward. In such cases, constant attention should be paid to the position of the T tube to prevent it from falling off, which may cause unnecessary trouble.
