A postoperative patient has not voided for 7 hours after return to the postsurgical unit. Initially the nurse should

Question

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The initial action should be to assess the bladder for distension. If the bladder is distended, providing the patient with privacy (by walking with them to the bathroom) will be helpful. Catheterization should only be done after other measures have been tried without success, because of the risk for urinary tract infection. There is no indication to notify the health care provider about this common postoperative problem unless all measures to empty the bladder are unsuccessful.

A Postoperative Patient Has Not Voided for 7 Hours After