Final answer:
Post-ESWL, a nurse should expect stone fragments in the urine, as the procedure breaks down kidney stones into small pieces that can be passed. Bruising on the lower abdomen may also be observed due to the treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse assessing a patient who had extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) six hours ago should expect to find stone fragments in the urine as the most likely finding. ESWL is a procedure that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces that can then pass through the urinary tract and out of the body. Therefore, it is logical that these fragments would be present in the urine post-procedure.
Other findings such as fever or decreased urine output, while possible, are less likely immediate outcomes of the procedure and may indicate complications such as infection or urinary tract obstruction. Bruising on the lower abdomen may also be observed due to the shockwave treatment. It is important for the nurse to monitor the patient for these symptoms as well as ensure the patient is passing urine regularly without significant pain or obstruction.