Understanding Care After TURP: The Nurse's Role

When caring for clients who have just undergone a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), you might encounter a situation where there’s decreased output from their urethral catheter. It's concerning, right? But what action should you take? Let’s break it down.

Following a TURP, it’s not unusual for patients to experience some challenges. Blood clots can develop, affecting urine drainage. So, what’s the appropriate nursing intervention in this scenario? The answer is simple yet effective: irrigate the urethral catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride. This action helps clear any obstructions, ensuring the urine can flow freely again. If you’ve ever dealt with a clogged sink, you know how satisfying it is when it finally drains smoothly again—and this situation is no different!

You might wonder, why not try something else like clamping the catheter or adjusting the drainage bag? Well, clamping can cause bladder distension, which isn’t good for your patient. It's like putting your finger on the end of a garden hose—you’re just building pressure. Similarly, adjusting the drainage bag height could hinder proper urine flow, adding to complications instead of resolving them. Slowing the bladder irrigation flow rate might not sufficiently clear an obstruction either.

Taking care of a patient after a TURP can feel like navigating a delicate dance. You need to be aware of multiple factors and symptoms. Ensuring that irrigation with a sterile solution is administered not only alleviates worries about output but also keeps you in tune with your patient’s recovery. Monitoring for complications is a continuous process, and addressing decreased output is a key step.

So, as you prepare for your PN Adult Medical Surgical Exam, remember these insights. It’s not just about memorizing facts; it’s also about understanding the rationale behind your actions. Nursing is a blend of skill, knowledge, and compassion—and knowing when to irrigate that urethral catheter can make all the difference in your patient’s comfort and recovery.

In conclusion, each day as a nurse brings new challenges, but with the right knowledge and actions, you can effectively support your patients' recovery. Keep these principles in mind as they’ll serve you well in practice and during your exams!