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, visible characteristics, and odor of the output from surgical drains following renal surgery to monitor recovery and identify potential complications. pH is not typically assessed from surgical drains.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing the patient's output from surgical drains following renal surgery, the nurse should assess several parameters to ensure proper recovery and identify any potential complications:

• Quantity of output: Monitoring the volume of fluid produced is crucial to ensure that output is within normal ranges and there is no excessive loss of fluids.
• Color of the output: Fresh urine is typically yellow or amber in color, which can indicate hydration levels or if there's bleeding.
• Visible characteristics of the output: Observing for any changes, such as cloudiness or the presence of particles, which may signal infection or tissue injury.
• Odor of the output: While a slight odor is normal and can vary with hydration, a strong or unusual odor may indicate infection or other complications.

The pH of the output is not typically assessed directly from surgical drains and would therefore not be included. It's important to note that these observations can help in evaluating kidney function and identifying postoperative complications early.