The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient whose urinary catheter was removed 8 hours previously. The patient has not been able to void since the catheter was removed and now reports suprapubic pain. What is the priority action of the nurse?
A) Encourage oral fluid intake and administer a diuretic.
B) Obtain a urine sample to test for culture and sensitivity.
C) Calculate the patient's daily intake and output.
D) Obtain an order to straight-catheterize the patient.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient who has not voided for 6 to 8 hours after urinary catheter removal and is complaining of suprapubic pain has acute urinary retention. The physician should be notified to obtain an order for straight catheterization to drain the bladder. A urine sample for culture and sensitivity is not ordered. Encouraging fluid intake and administering a diuretic will increase the amount of urine in the bladder and make the patient even more uncomfortable.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Postoperative Patient Whose Urinary