Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Male Reproductive Problems Related

Review Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Male Reproductive Problems related questions and content

A 70-year-old client returned from a transurethral resection of the prostate 8 hours ago with a continuous bladder irrigation. The nurse reviews his laboratory results as follows: [Sodium data]. Which action should the nurse take?

  • A. Consider starting a blood transfusion.
  • B. Slow down the bladder irrigation if the urine is pink.
  • C. Report the findings to the surgeon immediately.
  • D. Take the vital signs every 15 minutes.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The serum sodium is decreased due to large-volume bladder irrigation (normal is 136 to 145 mEq/L). By slowing the irrigation, there will be less fluid overload and sodium dilution. The hemoglobin and hematocrit values are a low normal, with a slight decrease in the red blood cell count. Therefore, a blood transfusion or frequent vital signs should not be necessary. Immediate report to the surgeon is not necessary.