A postpartum client with a difficult vaginal delivery 36 hours ago tells the nurse that she has not felt the need to void much since delivery. The nurse would respond with which of the following statements?

Question

1. "The inside of your bladder is most likely swollen, which makes you feel like you don't have to urinate.".
2. "You must be overdoing it with your activity level so soon after delivery.".
3. "I will need to catheterize you.".
4. "Your uterus must not be enlarged any longer.".

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: "The inside of your bladder is most likely swollen, which makes you feel like you don't have to urinate," is an accurate response since during childbirth, the bladder mucosa may become edematous, causing decreased sensation and potential overdistention of the bladder. Bladder distention increases susceptibility to infection and other postpartum problems.
Rationale 2: "You must be overdoing it with your activity level so soon after delivery," would not be an accurate response. An increase in activity level would not cause the client to have a lack of sensation to void.
Rationale 3: Immediate catheterization would not be necessary as long as the client is able to void in adequate amounts.
Rationale 4: "Your uterus must not be enlarged any longer," is not an accurate response since a decrease in uterine size would not cause the client to have a decreased sensation for the need to void.