The nurse is caring for a patient recovering from prostate surgery. Which actions should the nurse take if the patient's urine in the urinary irrigation drainage bag is very dark red?

Question

Select all that apply.
1. Check for catheter occlusion.
2. Increase the flow rate of irrigant solution.
3. Check vital signs.
4. Ask the patient to drink more oral fluids.
5. Assess the patient for hyponatremia.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2
Following prostatectomy, urine should appear light pink to clear with an occasional blood clot. If the urine appears very dark red, this may indicate increased venous bleeding or inadequate urine dilution. The catheter is at risk for being occluded and should be checked first, followed by increasing the flow rate of irrigant which should assist in making the urine clear. Checking vital signs is important but not specific to this situation. Asking the patient to increase fluid intake may increase urine output and assist in diluting the urine, but this may take several hours. Assessing for hyponatremia is a nursing action to detect absorption of bladder irrigation solution.