Question

A patient is postoperative day 3 following the creation of an ileal conduit for the treatment of invasive bladder cancer. The patient is quickly learning to self-manage the urinary diversion, but expresses concern about the presence of mucus in the urine. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

A) Report this finding promptly to the primary care provider.
B) Obtain a sterile urine sample and send it for culture.
C) Obtain a urine sample and check it for pH.
D) Reassure the patient that this is an expected phenomenon."

Answer 1

The nurse should reassure the patient that the presence of mucus in the urine is normal after the creation of an ileal conduit.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's most appropriate response would be to reassure the patient that the presence of mucus in the urine is an expected phenomenon after the creation of an ileal conduit for the treatment of invasive bladder cancer. Mucus in the urine can be a normal part of the healing process and doesn't necessarily indicate an infection or complication. It is important for the nurse to provide education and support to the patient to alleviate any concerns.