Question

A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and a transurethral resection of the prostate is performed. Four hours after surgery, the nurse takes the client's vital signs and empties the urinary drainage bag. Which assessment finding indicates the need to notify the health care provider (HCP)?

1.Red, bloody urine
2.Pain rated as 2 on a 0-10 pain scale
3.Urinary output of 200 mL higher than intake
4.Blood pressure, 100/50 mm Hg; pulse, 130 beats/minute

Answer 1

After a TURP surgery for BPH, an urinary output that is 200 mL higher than intake may indicate a complication such as an obstructed urinary catheter, which requires immediate notification to the healthcare provider for evaluation and possible intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which assessment finding indicates the need to notify the health care provider after a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). An important consideration after such surgery is to monitor urinary output closely as urinary complications can occur. An output of 200 mL higher than intake is a potential indication of postoperative complications such as obstructed urinary catheter, which could lead to an increased risk for acute renal failure (ARF) due to retention of urine and increased pressure in the urinary tract.

Assessment after TURP should also focus on signs of infection or bleeding, as well as the possibility of medication affecting bladder function. These complications, along with pre-existing conditions like kidney stones or abdominal malignancies, could also require health care provider intervention. In some cases, a kidney biopsy or urinalysis may be necessary to diagnose the cause of acute renal failure and guide treatment.