Question

A nurse is providing care for a client who is postoperative following an open cholecystectomy with the placement of a closed suction drain and is receiving morphine via patient-controlled analgesia for pain. Which of the following assessment is the nurse's priority?

A) Level of consciousness and sedation
B) Drainage amount and characteristics
C) Incisional pain and location
D) Urinary output and color

Answer 1

The nurse's priority assessment for a postoperative client following an open cholecystectomy with a closed suction drain and receiving morphine via patient-controlled analgesia is urinary output and color. This is because decreased urinary output or abnormal urine color may indicate complications such as urinary retention or urinary tract infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's priority assessment for a postoperative client following an open cholecystectomy with a closed suction drain and receiving morphine via patient-controlled analgesia is urinary output and color. This is because decreased urinary output or abnormal urine color may indicate complications such as urinary retention or urinary tract infection.

Urinary retention is a potential complication of surgery and can occur due to anesthesia or the use of opioid medications such as morphine. It is important for the nurse to assess the client's urinary output to ensure proper functioning of the urinary system and to detect early signs of urinary retention.

Abnormal urine color, such as presence of blood or dark-colored urine, can be indicative of a urinary tract infection or other complications. Monitoring urine color and characteristics can help the nurse identify potential issues and take appropriate actions.

Therefore, the nurse's priority assessment in this case is to monitor the client's urinary output and color to ensure the client's urinary system is functioning properly and to detect any potential complications.