A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who has undergone a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Take naproxen for discomfort.": Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen inhibit platelet aggregation and can increase the risk of postoperative hemorrhage after a vascular procedure like a TURP. The nurse should advise the client to avoid medications that can exacerbate bleeding from the prostatic bed. Acetaminophen is generally preferred for mild discomfort in the postoperative period. B. "Sexual activity is permitted after 2 weeks.": The surgical site in the prostatic urethra requires significant time to heal and re-epithelialize without the stress of sexual activity. Most surgeons recommend abstaining from sexual intercourse for at least 6 to 8 weeks to prevent secondary bleeding or trauma. Providing a 2-week timeframe is premature and increases the risk of complications. C. "Increase fluid intake if urine becomes blood tinged.": Small amounts of blood or "cherry-colored" urine are common after a TURP, but increasing fluid intake helps flush the bladder to prevent clot formation. Adequate hydration maintains a continuous flow of dilute urine, which prevents the obstructive complications of hematuria. This instruction empowers the client to manage mild postoperative bleeding safely. D. "Urinary dribbling will resolve within 5 days.": Urinary incontinence or dribbling after a TURP is common due to the removal of prostatic tissue and temporary sphincter weakness. This symptom can persist for several weeks or even months as the surrounding muscles regain their tone. Telling a client it will resolve in 5 days provides an unrealistic expectation for the recovery process.