A nurse is caring for a client who has continuous bladder irrigation following a transurethral resection of the prostate. The nurse notes clots and dark red blood in the catheter collection bag. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Clamp the urinary catheter tubing: Clamping the catheter tubing is not appropriate because it can lead to bladder distention, increased pressure, and risk of bladder rupture. Maintaining continuous drainage is essential to prevent complications following prostate surgery. B. Replace the indwelling urinary catheter with a smaller diameter catheter: Replacing the catheter is not the first intervention when clots and dark red blood are present. Smaller diameter catheters would actually be less effective in clearing clots and could worsen the blockage. C. Irrigate the bladder with 20 to 30 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation: Manual irrigation helps to clear clots that may be obstructing the catheter, promoting continued drainage and reducing the risk of bladder distention. Gentle irrigation is the appropriate first step to manage clot formation. D. Allow the tubing to hang below the drainage bag: The drainage tubing should always be positioned above the collection bag to maintain gravitational drainage. Letting the tubing hang below the bag would impair drainage and could lead to backflow and infection.