What complication should the nurse monitor for in a post-operative client with a T-tube?

Monitoring for the absence of bile drainage in a post-operative client with a T-tube is crucial because it can indicate a possible obstruction or malfunction of the drainage system. In a normal post-operative course for procedures involving bile drainage, the T-tube is placed to allow bile to drain out of the biliary system and prevent accumulation, which could lead to complications such as jaundice or bile peritonitis. If bile is not draining, it could suggest that the duct is blocked, or there might be an issue with the T-tube itself. Therefore, the absence of bile drainage is a key observation that can prompt further investigation and intervention to prevent significant complications.

While monitoring for infection at the incision site, low blood pressure, and elevated temperature are also essential in post-operative care, these signs are more general and can relate to a range of post-surgical complications. The specific focus on bile drainage is vital for patients with a T-tube because it directly relates to the function of the biliary system and the purpose of the T-tube placement.