A 76-year-old with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is agitated and confused, with a markedly distended bladder. Which intervention prescribed by the health care provider should the nurse implement first?
a. Insert a urinary retention catheter.
b. Schedule an intravenous pyelogram (IVP).
c. Draw blood for a serum creatinine level.
d. Administer lorazepam (Ativan) 0.5 mg PO.
ANS: A
The patient's history and clinical manifestations are consistent with acute urinary retention, and the priority action is to relieve the retention by catheterization. The BUN and creatinine measurements can be obtained after the catheter is inserted. The patient's agitation may resolve once the bladder distention is corrected, and sedative drugs should be used cautiously in older patients. The IVP is an appropriate test but does not need to be done urgently.
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