Question

Because a full bladder prevents the uterus from contracting normally, nurses intervene to help empty it spontaneously ASAP. If all else fails, which of the following is the last thing the nurse might try?

a) Catheterization
b) Abdominal massage
c) Valsalva maneuver
d) Suprapubic pressure

Answer 1

The last intervention a nurse might try to empty a full bladder when other measures fail is catheterization option (a). This procedure directly drains the urine, providing immediate relief from high bladder pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse is trying to assist with emptying a full bladder to prevent issues such as undue pressure on the uterus and urinary retention, and if initial interventions fail, the last thing they might try is catheterization option (a). This medical procedure involves inserting a tube into the bladder to allow urine to drain out. Techniques like abdominal massage and the Valsalva maneuver increase intra-abdominal pressure to help with bladder emptying, while suprapubic pressure may stimulate the micturition reflex. However, catheterization serves as a direct method to ensure the bladder is emptied, particularly important in situations where conservative measures have failed or when immediate relief from high bladder pressure is required.