A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous bladder irrigation following a transurethral resection of the prostate. The client reports bladder spasms and the nurse observes decreased urinary output. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Decrease traction on the catheter: Decreasing traction on the catheter may help with discomfort from the catheter itself but does not address the potential issue of a blocked catheter, which is likely the cause of the decreased output and bladder spasms. B. Administer ibuprofen 400 mg for pain relief: While ibuprofen may help with pain relief, it does not address the underlying cause of bladder spasms or decreased urinary output. The priority is to ensure the catheter is functioning properly to prevent further complications. C. Remove the indwelling urinary catheter: Removing the indwelling urinary catheter is not appropriate in this situation, as the catheter is essential for continuous bladder irrigation and preventing clot formation. Removal could exacerbate the problem. D. Flush the catheter manually with 0.9% sodium chloride: The decreased output could indicate a blockage, and flushing the catheter with saline can help clear any obstructions, relieving the bladder spasms and restoring normal drainage.