A client has not voided eight hours after surgery and says to the nurse, “I don’t think I can urinate.” What should be the first action for the nurse?
Assess the client’s bladder.
Administer pain medication.
Increase the client’s fluid intake.
Inform the surgeon of the client’s status.
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should first assess the client’s bladder for distention by palpating the lower abdomen between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus.
This can indicate urinary retention, which is a common postoperative complication. The nurse should also measure the bladder volume using a bladder scanner if available.
Choice B. Inform the surgeon that the client’s status is wrong because the nurse should first assess the client before notifying the surgeon.
The surgeon may order interventions based on the assessment findings.
Choice C. Increasing the client’s fluid intake is wrong because increasing fluid intake may worsen bladder distention and discomfort.
The nurse should encourage fluid intake only after ensuring adequate urinary output.
Choice D. Administering pain medication is wrong because pain medication may not be indicated for urinary retention.
Pain medication may also cause urinary retention by relaxing the bladder muscles and impairing the micturition reflex.
Normal urine output is about 30 mL per hour or 240 mL in eight hours.
The nurse should monitor the client’s intake and output and report any signs of urinary retention to the surgeon.
Urinary retention can lead to infection, bladder damage, and renal impairment if not treated promptly.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Palms, soles and nails.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can develop in any color skin, including dark or black skin.
However, melanoma on dark skin is not related to sun exposure and can start in places that get little sun. That includes the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, nails, and inside your mouth, anal, and genital areas.
Choice A is wrong because eyes, ears, lips, and scalp are not common areas for melanoma in people of color.
Choice C is wrong because head, neck and trunk are more likely to be affected by sun exposure and other types of skin cancer than melanoma in people of color.
Choice D is wrong because lower legs and back are also more exposed to sun and other types of skin cancer than melanoma in people of color.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Irrigating the tube with 30 mL of sterile saline as needed. This prescription should be questioned by the nurse because it may cause trauma to the kidney or dislodge the tube. The nurse should only irrigate the tube if ordered by the health care provider and with a smaller amount of fluid.
Choice A is wrong because monitoring the urine’s color and odor is an appropriate intervention for a client with a nephrostomy tube. The urine may be bloody or cloudy initially, but it should gradually clear.
Choice B is wrong because recording the intake and output every eight hours is also an appropriate intervention for a client with a nephrostomy tube. The nurse should measure and document the amount and characteristics of urine drainage and report any changes or abnormalities.
Choice D is wrong because measuring the vital signs every four hours during the day is a reasonable prescription for a client with a nephrostomy tube. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of infection, bleeding, or obstruction.
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