Question 1
A postoperative TURP client is ordered continuous bladder irrigations. Later in the evening on the first postoperative day, he complains of increasing suprapubic pain. When assessing the client, the nurse notes diminished flow of bloody urine and several large blood clots in the drainage tubing. Which one of the following should be the initial nursing intervention?
- AOption A:
Call the physician about the problem.
- BOption B:
Irrigate the Foley catheter.
- COption C:
Change the Foley catheter.
- DOption D:
Administer a prescribed narcotic analgesic.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
(A) The physician should be notified as problems arise, but in this case, the nurse can attempt to irrigate the Foley catheter first and call the physician if irrigation is unsuccessful. Notifying the physician of problems is a subsequent nursing intervention. (B) This answer is correct. Assessing catheter patency and irrigating as prescribed are the initial priorities to maintain continuous bladder irrigation. Manual irrigation will dislodge blood clots that have blocked the catheter and prevent problems of bladder distention, pain, and possibly fresh bleeding. (C) The Foley catheter would not be changed as an initial nursing intervention, but irrigation of the catheter should be done as ordered to dislodge clots that interfere with patency. (D) Even though the client complains of increasing suprapubic pain, administration of a prescribed narcotic analgesic is not the initial priority. The effect of the medication may mask the symptoms of a distended bladder and lead to more serious complications.