Question

A nurse is monitoring a client after transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hypertrophy. The client has a bladder irrigation infusing, and the urine output is a light cherry color. The nurse performs a follow-up assessment 1 hour later and notes that the urine output is now bright red in color with clots and that the client's blood pressure has dropped. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

a) Increase the rate of the bladder irrigation
b) Administer pain medication as ordered
c) Notify the healthcare provider immediately
d) Document the findings and continue to monitor

Answer 1

The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately due to signs of potential bleeding and hemorrhage after a transurethral resection of the prostate, which is evidenced by a change in urine color and a drop in blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case where a client who has undergone a transurethral resection of the prostate and is experiencing a change from light cherry colored urine to bright red urine with clots, and a drop in blood pressure, the most appropriate action by the nurse would be c) Notify the healthcare provider immediately. The change in urine color and the presence of clots can indicate bleeding, and the drop in blood pressure may be a sign of hemorrhage, which requires prompt intervention. It is crucial for the nurse to communicate these findings to the healthcare provider to assess and manage the patient's condition effectively.