In the PACU, a patient is noted to have low urine output. What is the most appropriate immediate intervention?

A. Administer diuretics: Diuretics should not be the first action for oliguria in a post-surgical patient until the underlying cause is identified. If the low output is due to hypovolemia, diuretics would further deplete the intravascular volume and worsen renal perfusion. They require a specific provider order based on diagnostic data. B. Check the patency of the urinary catheter: Low urine output in the PACU may be due to mechanical obstruction rather than renal failure or hypovolemia. The nurse must first ensure that the drainage system is not kinked or blocked to get an accurate reading. This simple, non-invasive assessment must precede pharmacological or surgical interventions. C. Notify the primary surgeon: While the surgeon should be informed of significant changes, the nurse must first perform a basic assessment to provide a complete report. Checking the catheter allows the nurse to determine if the issue is a simple mechanical problem. Notification is the next step if patency is confirmed. D. Increase the rate of IV fluids: Bolusing fluids is a common treatment for prerenal oliguria, but it should not be done before checking for mechanical obstruction. If the patient has a blocked catheter, increasing fluids will only cause bladder distension and discomfort. Fluid titration must be guided by accurate output measurements.