Final answer:
The best nursing action is to loosen and reposition the catheter on the client's leg to alleviate any tension that could be causing reduced urine output and blood accumulation. Other considerations may include continuous bladder irrigation and bulb syringe irrigation following a proper assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate nursing action for a client with a urinary catheter draining opaque, bright red colored fluid is to loosen and reposition the catheter on the client's leg. This is due to the possibility that the tight taping to the thigh is causing traction or a kink in the catheter, leading to reduced urine output and the accumulation of blood due to potential ongoing bleeding from the surgical site. It is essential that urinary catheters are not too tightly secured, as this can cause unnecessary tension on the catheter leading to discomfort and complications.
Further, obtaining a prescription for continuous bladder irrigation may indeed be necessary if the bleeding persists or if there is a high risk of clot formation. However, priority should be given to adjusting the tension on the catheter first, as it may provide immediate relief and improve drainage. A bulb syringe irrigation carried out by the nurse could also be considered after consulting with a physician, but proper assessment must precede this intervention. Lastly, documenting the findings in the medical record is essential, but it is not the immediate action required to address the patient's potential distress.