A nurse is instructing a client on how to care for the urinary catheter after TURP surgery. What should the nurse include in the instructions?

A. Assessing pain level and administering pain medication is important, but the priority during the immediate postoperative period is to monitor vital signs and assess for signs of hemorrhage or other complications.

B. This is the correct answer. Monitoring vital signs and assessing for signs of hemorrhage, such as continuous bright red bleeding, tachycardia, and hypotension, is essential to detect and address any complications promptly.

C. Evaluating the client's urinary output and catheter patency is important but may not be the immediate priority if there are concerns about hemorrhage or other complications.

D. Assessing the client's surgical incision for signs of infection is essential, but it may not be the immediate priority during the immediate postoperative period. The focus should be on assessing vital signs and for signs of bleeding or other complications.

Questions

A. This is the correct answer. Informing the healthcare provider about the client's anticoagulant medication is crucial before surgery, as it can affect the surgical plan and potential bleeding risks during TURP.

B. Withholding all medications, including anticoagulants, should only be done under the direction of the healthcare provider and anesthesia team. Abruptly stopping anticoagulants can lead to significant medical risks.

C. Continuing the anticoagulant as prescribed may pose a bleeding risk during surgery, so it is essential to involve the healthcare provider in the decision.

D. Administering a blood-thinning agent to counteract the anticoagulant effects is not appropriate and can lead to complications. The healthcare provider should decide on the management of anticoagulation therapy before surgery.