If the patient’s biliary drainage catheter becomes obstructed after cholecystectomy, notify the practitioner and take these steps while you wait for the practitioner to arrive:

• Unclamp the biliary drainage catheter (if it was clamped 1 hour before or after a meal), and connect the catheter to a closed gravity-drainage system.
• Inspect the catheter carefully to detect any kinks or obstructions.
• Prepare the patient for possible biliary drainage catheter irrigation or direct X-ray of the common bile duct (cholangiography). Describe these measures briefly to the patient to reduce the patient’s apprehension and promote cooperation.
• Provide encouragement and support to the patient.