Urinary Incontinence and Retention · NCLEX Exam

A male patient after surgery under spinal anesthesia has not voided for 8 hours and has a distended bladder. What is the priority nursing action?

  1. Encourage fluids and wait 24 hours
  2. Perform bladder scan and consider catheterization
  3. Administer diuretics
  4. Assume normal post-operative course and observe
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Perform bladder scan and consider catheterization

Post-operative urinary retention is common after spinal anesthesia; timely assessment with a bladder scan and catheterization if needed prevents complications.

Difficulty: Hard Question 15 of 20

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