What is the primary purpose of a nephrostomy tube?

• A. Drain bile from the liver.
• B. Drain the bladder.
• C. Drain urine from the kidney when there is obstruction or hydronephrosis.
• D. Drain urine from the ureter externally.

Answer: (C)

A nephrostomy tube provides an external drainage route directly from the kidney when urinary outflow is blocked, relieving pressure and protecting renal function. It is placed into the renal pelvis to bypass obstructions such as stones, tumors, or strictures, allowing urine to drain externally into a collection bag and relieving hydronephrosis. This is specifically about draining urine from the kidney, not from the bladder or bile, and it differs from external drainage of urine from the ureter. Nursing care focuses on keeping the system patent and secure, monitoring drainage amount and quality, preventing infection, and watching for leakage or dislodgement.