A postoperative patient has not voided for 7 hours after return to the postsurgical unit. Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The initial action should be to assess the bladder for distention. 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 surgeon about this common postoperative problem unless all measures to empty the bladder are unsuccessful.

A Postoperative Patient Has Not Voided for 7 Hours After