Question

A patient being treated in the hospital has been experiencing occasional urinary retention. What nursing action should the nurse take to encourage a patient who is having difficulty voiding?

A) Use a slipper bedpan.
B) Apply a cold compress to the perineum.
C) Have the patient lie in a supine position.
D) Provide privacy for the patient."

Answer 1

To encourage a patient who is having difficulty voiding, the nurse should provide privacy, encourage relaxation, and offer emotional support and reassurance.

Step-by-step explanation:

To encourage a patient who is having difficulty voiding, the nurse should provide privacy for the patient. Privacy helps to create a comfortable and relaxed environment, which can enhance the patient's ability to void. It is important to respect the patient's dignity and give them time and space to relax.

Additionally, the nurse can encourage the patient to adopt a position that promotes relaxation, such as sitting on a commode chair or using a raised toilet seat. This can help relieve any physical discomfort or tension that may be hindering the patient's ability to void.

Lastly, the nurse can offer support and reassurance to the patient. Sometimes, anxiety or fear can contribute to difficulties in voiding. By providing emotional support and reassurance, the nurse can help alleviate these feelings and promote a more relaxed state, making it easier for the patient to void.