Question

The nurse is caring for a patient who has just returned to the post-surgical unit following renal surgery. When assessing the patients output from surgical drains, the nurse should assess what parameters? Select all that apply.

A) Quantity of output
B) Color of the output
C) Visible characteristics of the output
D) Odor of the output
E) pH of the output

Answer 1

The nurse should assess the quantity, color, and visible characteristics of the surgical drain output, as well as the odor, which are all critical in monitoring a patient's recovery post-renal surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

Parameters for Assessing Surgical Drain Output

When caring for a patient who has just returned to the post-surgical unit following renal surgery, the nurse should assess several parameters regarding the output from surgical drains:

• Quantity of output to measure the volume being excreted, ensuring it aligns with typical postoperative expectations.
• Color of the output since fresh urine is typically yellow or amber, deviations may indicate issues such as bleeding or infection.
• Visible characteristics of the output which may include clarity or the presence of particulate matter that could suggest complications.
• Odor of the output that might change with infections or certain dietary influences.
• pH of the output is not typically assessed with drain output unless specifically indicated, as routine urinalysis would cover this aspect.

It is important for the nurse to monitor these aspects closely, as they can provide vital clues to the patient’s recovery and alert to any signs of complications following renal surgery.