Final answer:
A Practical Nurse should assess for signs of urinary retention, use a bladder scanner if available, notify the healthcare provider, prepare to assist with catheterization if needed, monitor the patient's condition, and document all actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a client has not voided within six hours after the removal of an indwelling urinary catheter and is experiencing discomfort from a distended bladder, as a Practical Nurse (PN) the following action should be taken:
- Assess the client for bladder distention and for signs of acute urinary retention.
- Obtain a bladder scanner or perform a bladder scan to evaluate the urine volume in the bladder, if available.
- Notify the physician or appropriate healthcare provider of the situation.
- Prepare to assist with catheterization if ordered by the physician to relieve discomfort and prevent bladder over distention.
- Monitor the client's vital signs, check for bladder tenderness, and assess for other symptoms that might indicate a complication.
- Document the intervention and the client's response to treatment.
The PN should not ignore these signs as they could indicate potential complications such as acute urinary retention, which could require medical intervention.