A patient with a T-tube for an open cholecystectomy has resumed oral intake. The T-tube is clamped 2 hours before meals and unclamped 2 hours after meals to aid in the digestion of fat
During the time the tube is clamped the patient complains of abdominal pain and nausea. Which intervention is most appropriate?
a.
Notify the physician
b.
Unclamp the tube immediately
c.
Increase the IV fluids
d.
Change the T-tube dressing
ANS: B
While the tube is clamped, the patient may show signs of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. Unclamp the tube immediately to allow for drainage and relief of both nausea and pain.
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