A nurse is caring for a patient who just underwent intravenous pyelography that revealed a renal calculus obstructing the left ureter. What is the nurse's first priority in caring for this patient?

Question

a. Turn the patient on the right side to alleviate pressure on the left kidney.
b. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake to flush the obstruction.
c. Administer narcotic medications to alleviate pain.
d. Monitor the patient for fever, rash, and difficulty breathing.

Answer 1

D
Intravenous pyelography is performed by administering iodine-based dye to view functionality of the urinary system. Many individuals are allergic to shellfish; therefore, the first nursing priority is to assess the patient for an allergic reaction that could be life threatening. The nurse should then encourage the patient to drink fluids to flush dye resulting from the procedure. Narcotics can be administered but are not the first priority. Turning the patient on the side will not affect patient safety.