Question

Mrs. Diaz, 35 years old, has had a nephrostomy for treatment of hydronephrosis caused by a renal stone in the pelvis of the kidney. She returns from the surgical unit with a nephrostomy tube in place.

1. Explain the purpose of the nephrostomy tube.
2. What is the specific care for these drains and tubes?

Answer 1

A nephrostomy tube allows for urine to drain directly from the kidney to the outside of the body, bypassing any blockages such as kidney stones causing hydronephrosis. Care for these tubes includes keeping them clean and dry, monitoring output, and preventing dislodgment and infection. This treatment is used to alleviate the obstruction in the urinary tract.

Step-by-step explanation:

Purpose of a Nephrostomy Tube

A nephrostomy tube is a surgically placed drainage tube that allows urine to flow from the kidney to the outside of the body, bypassing the normal route through the ureters and bladder. This is necessary in cases where something, such as a kidney stone, is blocking the flow of urine, causing hydronephrosis: the swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine. Mrs. Diaz's nephrostomy was implemented as part of her treatment likely to relieve the obstruction caused by a renal stone in the pelvis of the kidney.

Specific Care for Nephrostomy Drains and Tubes

Post-operative care of nephrostomy tubes typically includes ensuring that the tubes are kept clean and dry, monitoring the output to ensure that urine is draining adequately, and watching for signs of infection or blockage. Proper securement of the tube is crucial to prevent dislodgment and trauma to the kidney. It is important that Mrs. Diaz receives instructions on how to care for her nephrostomy at home, as she has just returned from the surgical unit.

Answer 2

A nephrostomy tube is used to drain urine from the kidney when a blockage, such as a renal stone, prevents normal flow through the ureter. Care involves keeping the area clean, monitoring for any issues, proper securing of the tube, and regularly changing the drainage bag.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of a nephrostomy tube is to ensure proper drainage of urine from the kidney when the normal flow through the ureter is obstructed by a condition such as renal stones. When stones cause a blockage, this can lead to hydronephrosis, which is swelling of the kidney due to a build-up of urine. To manage the condition, the nephrostomy tube bypasses the obstruction, providing an alternative pathway for urine to exit the body directly from the renal pelvis.

Specific care for a nephrostomy includes keeping the site clean and dry to prevent infection, ensuring that the tube remains unobstructed and monitoring for any signs of leakage or blockage, and regular changing of the drainage bag. Proper securing of the tube is also necessary to prevent dislodgement. It is important for healthcare professionals and patients to follow post-operative care instructions meticulously to minimize complications such as infection or accidental removal of the tube.