A client is recovering from a transurethral prostatectomy. Which activity should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce with the client to limit until after the first postoperative visit?

Choice A reason: While monitoring serum electrolytes is important, especially if the client is experiencing side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea, it is not the priority follow-up assessment. Chemotherapy can impact electrolytes, but blood cell counts are a more immediate concern.
Choice B reason: Assessing nutritional status is important for overall health and recovery, but it is not the most critical follow-up assessment. Nutritional assessments can be addressed once more urgent concerns, such as blood cell counts, are evaluated.
Choice C reason: Hydration status is important, particularly if the client is experiencing side effects that lead to dehydration. However, hydration can usually be managed once the more critical assessment of blood cell counts has been completed.
Choice D reason: Blood cell counts are the priority follow-up assessment for a client who received chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can significantly impact the production of blood cells, leading to conditions such as anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia. Monitoring blood cell counts helps to identify these complications early and allows for appropriate interventions to be initiated.

Choice A reason: Measuring intake and output while straining all urine is the priority action. This helps to monitor kidney function, assess fluid balance, and detect the passage of kidney stones. Straining urine can also catch any stones or fragments, which can be analyzed to determine their composition and guide further treatment.
Choice B reason: Reviewing foods that are high in oxalate is important for dietary management of kidney stones, but it is not the immediate priority. Dietary education is more relevant once the client's acute symptoms are managed and stabilized.
Choice C reason: Monitoring the client's serum calcium levels is important in the management of certain types of kidney stones, particularly those formed from calcium. However, this action is not as immediate a priority as measuring intake and output and straining urine to assess for stone passage.
Choice D reason: Encouraging the client to begin a weight loss program is beneficial for overall health and can reduce the risk of future kidney stones. However, it is not the immediate priority when treating an acute episode of kidney stones.