The nurse is caring for a patient who underwent a bowel resection 2 hours ago. His urine output for the past 2 hours totals 50 mL. Which action should the nurse take?

Question

a. Do nothing; this is normal postoperative urine output.
b. Increase the infusion rate of the patient's IV fluids.
c. Notify the provider about the patient's oliguria.
d. Administer the patient's routine diuretic dose early.

Answer 1

C
The amount of 50 mL in 2 hours is not normal output. The kidneys typically produce 60 mL of urine per hour. Therefore, the nurse should notify the provider when the patient shows diminished urine output (oliguria). Patients who undergo abdominal surgery commonly require increased infusions of IV fluid during the immediate postoperative period. The nurse cannot provide increased IV fluids without a provider's order. The nurse should not administer any medications before the scheduled time without a prescription. The provider may hold the patient's scheduled dose of diuretic if he determines that the patient is experiencing deficient fluid volume.