Abstract
Purposes/Aims: Complications of percutaneous nephrostomy tubes (PCN) are common after discharge. Language barriers place patients at higher risk for misunderstanding discharge instructions. This evidence-based project evaluated whether a bilingual follow-up protocol three days post-discharge reduces PCN complications in patients.
Methodology: This project utilized the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model. The project leader reviewed the literature, synthesized the evidence, and developed a standardized PCN discharge training and bilingual PCN follow-up protocol.
Implementation: Unit nurses received training to standardize the PCN discharge process. Nurses educated PCN patients using the standardized process at the time of discharge. Three days post-discharge, nurses conducted a language-concordant follow-up phone call, in English or Spanish, reiterating the standardized education. The electronic health record (EHR) was used to track patient PCN exchanges.
Outcomes: Nurse knowledge increased from 44% pre-training to 69% post-training. Complication-related PCN exchanges decreased from 60% pre-implementation to 20% post- implementation. Patients’ perceived need for nursing care significantly decreased by 79% from discharge to three days post-discharge. Patient health confidence scores improved by 20% from discharge to 3 days post-discharge.
Conclusion: The bilingual follow-up protocol for PCN procedures improved nurse preparedness and patient outcomes in RACU. Continued education and language expansion can promote equitable care and sustain long-term success.
Keywords: Percutaneous Nephrostomy Tube, Discharge Education, Nurses, Follow-up, language-concordance
LLU Discipline
Nursing
School
School of Nursing
First Advisor
Megan Anderson
Second Advisor
Salem Dehom
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Year Degree Awarded
2026
Date (Title Page)
5-24-2026
Language
English
Type
Doctoral Project
Page Count
105 p., 1 p.
Digital Format
Digital Publisher
Loma Linda University Libraries
Copyright
Author
Usage Rights
This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.
Recommended Citation
Ornelas, Marisol, "Implementation of a Language-Concordant Follow-Up Protocol to Reduce Percutaneous Nephrostomy Tube Complications: An Evidence-Based Practice Project" (2026). Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects. 2730.
https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/2730
Collection
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Collection Website
http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/
Repository
Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives
Poster: Implementation of a Language-Concordant Follow-Up Protocol to Reduce Percutaneous Nephrostomy Tube Complications: An Evidence-Based Practice Project
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