A nurse is caring for a female client who is postoperative and is having difficulty urinating after the removal of an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following techniques should the nurse teach the client to use to promote urination?

Rationale A. Stroking the lower abdomen: Stroking the lower abdomen is not an evidence-based technique to stimulate bladder emptying. It may provide minimal sensory feedback but does not effectively trigger the micturition reflex in clients experiencing postoperative urinary retention. B. Leaning backward when sitting and attempting to urinate: Leaning backward can actually impede proper bladder emptying by kinking the urethra. Proper positioning for urination involves sitting upright or leaning slightly forward to facilitate relaxation of the pelvic floor and urethral alignment. C. Performing Kegel exercises prior to urination: Kegel exercises strengthen pelvic floor muscles and are useful for improving long-term urinary continence, but performing them immediately prior to attempting urination can tighten the muscles and hinder urine flow. This technique does not promote immediate bladder emptying. D. Pouring warm water over the perineum: Pouring warm water over the perineum can stimulate sensory nerves and activate the micturition reflex, promoting bladder contraction and facilitating urination. This is a noninvasive, effective technique commonly used for clients experiencing postoperative urinary retention.