A patient who has undergone a vaginal hysterectomy has not voided for 8 hours following surgery and is complaining of bladder distention. The most appropriate action by the nurse is to

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After hysterectomy, the patient may experience urinary retention caused by temporary bladder atony; catheterization is needed if the patient has not voided for 8 hours. Increasing the patient's fluid is not appropriate when the bladder is distended. There is an order to catheterize the patient, so the nurse does not need to notify the health care provider. Ambulation will be uncomfortable for the patient with a full bladder.

A Patient Who Has Undergone a Vaginal Hysterectomy Has Not