Question

A patient with bladder cancer undergoes cystectomy with formation of an ileal conduit. During the patient's first postoperative day, what should the nurse plan to do?

a. Measure and fit the stoma for a permanent appliance.
b. Encourage high oral intake to flush mucus from the conduit.
c. Teach the patient to self-catheterize the stoma every 4 to 6 hours.
d. Empty the drainage bag every 2 to 3 hours and measure the urinary output.

Answer 1

The nurse should measure and fit the stoma for a temporary appliance and monitor the ileal conduit, while also ensuring the urine collection bag is emptied every 2 to 3 hours for accurate urinary output measurement.

Step-by-step explanation:

During a patient's first postoperative day after undergoing a cystectomy with formation of an ileal conduit, the nursing plan should include measuring and fitting the stoma for a temporary appliance rather than a permanent one, as swelling must subside first. It is also essential to encourage high fluid intake orally or intravenously as needed to maintain adequate hydration and kidney function, but not specifically to "flush mucus from the conduit." The patient will not self-catheterize the stoma; instead, care includes monitoring the ileal conduit for mucus production, color, and amount of urine. The urine collection bag should be emptied every 2 to 3 hours to accurately measure urinary output and prevent overfilling, which could lead to leaks or pressure on the stoma.