Question

After surgery, a postoperative client has not voided for eight hours. Where would the nurse assess the bladder for distention?

A) Between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus
B) Over the costovertebral region of the flank
C) In the left lower quadrant of the abdomen
D) Between ribs 11 and 12 and the umbilicus

Answer 1

The nurse would assess for bladder distention by palpating the area midway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a postoperative client has not voided for eight hours and there is a concern for bladder distention, the nurse would assess for bladder distention by palpating midway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus. This area corresponds to the location of the bladder in both males and females, considering that the bladder is a retroperitoneal organ situated posterior to the pubic bone and anterior to the rectum. The anatomy in males includes the prostate inferior to the bladder, while in females, the bladder lies anterior to the uterus. However, in both genders, when assessing for distention, the focus remains on the region above the pubic bone and below the umbilicus.