Question

A nurse is assigned to care for four clients. The client with which of the following drainage tubes is at an increased risk for hypokalemia?

A. Chest tube.
B. Jackson-Pratt drain.
C. T-tube drain.
D. Penrose drain.

Answer 1

The client with the T-tube drain is at an increased risk for hypokalemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

T-tube Drain and Hypokalemia Risk: The T-tube drain is commonly used after gallbladder surgery to drain bile. Bile contains important substances, including bile salts and potassium. In the presence of a T-tube drain, there is a continuous loss of bile, which can lead to an increased loss of potassium. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can result from this ongoing potassium loss. Therefore, clients with a T-tube drain are at an elevated risk of developing hypokalemia.

The correct option is C. T-tube drain.