A nurse is assessing a client who is 6 hr postoperative following a total abdominal hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Explanation & Rationale
A. A pain level of 4/10 is considered mild to moderate pain and is expected in the early postoperative period following a total abdominal hysterectomy. This level of pain can typically be managed with prescribed analgesics and does not require immediate provider notification. B. A small (scant) amount of dark red drainage is expected within the first several hours after surgery due to residual bleeding at the surgical site. As long as the drainage is not increasing, bright red, or excessive, it is considered a normal postoperative finding. C. Decreased or absent bowel sounds are expected in the early postoperative period due to the effects of anesthesia and bowel manipulation during surgery. This condition, known as postoperative ileus, is common and usually resolves gradually. D. Urinary output should be at least 30 mL/hr in an adult. Over 3 hours, the expected minimum output is 90 mL. An output of 75 mL (25 mL/hr) indicates oliguria, which may suggest hypovolemia, decreased renal perfusion, or possible complications such as hemorrhage. This finding requires prompt reporting to the provider for further evaluation and intervention.