A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hr postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Urine output 25 mL/hr: Urine output less than 30 mL/hr is considered inadequate, especially after surgery. This could indicate possible renal insufficiency or hypovolemia, requiring immediate attention. B. Heart rate 68/min: A heart rate of 68/min falls within the normal adult range (60-100 beats per minute). This finding is generally considered stable and does not typically indicate an immediate complication requiring urgent reporting to the provider in a postoperative client. C. Hypoactive bowel sounds: Hypoactive bowel sounds are common in the immediate postoperative period, especially after abdominal surgery. This occurs due to the effects of anesthesia and bowel manipulation. D. Serosanguineous drainage on surgical dressing: Serosanguineous drainage is typical in the early postoperative period and usually decreases over time. It’s not abnormal unless the amount increases significantly or the drainage becomes purulent.