PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

What action should a nurse take if there is decreased output from the urethral catheter in a client who underwent TURP?

1. Clamp the urethral catheter for 30 min.

2. Place the urethral catheter drainage bag at the client's heart level.

3. Slow the bladder irrigation flow rate.

4. Irrigate the urethral catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride.

The correct answer is: Irrigate the urethral catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride.

In the context of a client who has undergone a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and is experiencing decreased output from the urethral catheter, irrigating the catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride is an appropriate action. This procedure helps to clear any potential obstruction or clot formation within the catheter or bladder. Following TURP, it is common for blood clots to develop, which can impede urine flow. By irrigating with a sterile solution, the nurse can assist in restoring proper urinary drainage and monitoring for any complications. The other options do not adequately address the issue at hand. For instance, clamping the urethral catheter can lead to bladder distension and increased pressure in the urinary tract, which may exacerbate the situation instead of resolving it. Additionally, placing the drainage bag at the client's heart level does not effectively solve the problem of decreased output and may even hinder gravity drainage, leading to further complications. Slowing the bladder irrigation flow rate may not be beneficial if there is a need to flush out an obstruction. Thus, irrigation with the sterile solution is the most direct and effective method to address the decreased urine output following TURP.