A nurse is caring for a client who has continuous bladder irrigation following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Irrigating the catheter with sterile water is an incorrect action, because the catheter should be irrigated with sterile normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) to prevent hemolysis of the red blood cells.

Choice B reason: Clamping the drainage catheter during ambulation is an incorrect action, because the catheter should be kept patent and unclamped at all times to prevent obstruction and infection.

Choice C reason: Reporting viscous drainage with clots to the provider is a correct action, because it indicates that the irrigation is not effective and the client may need manual irrigation or surgical intervention.

Choice D reason: Removing the catheter if the client feels a strong urge to urinate is an incorrect action, because the catheter should be left in place until the provider orders its removal. The client may feel a sensation of bladder fullness or spasms due to the irrigation fluid, which can be relieved by medication or adjustment of the flow rate.

Choice A reason: This is the best action, because compression stockings can help improve the blood flow and prevent the formation of new clots in the veins of the legs. Compression stockings can also reduce the swelling, pain, and inflammation caused by thrombophlebitis.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect action, because cold compresses can cause vasoconstriction and worsen the blood flow and the clotting process in the affected vein. Cold compresses can also increase the discomfort and numbness of the extremity.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect and dangerous action, because gently massaging the area can dislodge the clot and cause it to travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, resulting in a life-threatening complication, such as pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, or stroke.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect and misleading statement, because heparin is not prescribed to dissolve the thrombus, but to prevent the growth and extension of the existing clot and the formation of new clots. Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits the clotting factors in the blood, but does not break down the clot. The body's own enzymes, such as plasmin, are responsible for dissolving the clot.