Fundamentals of Nursing HESI Related

Review Fundamentals of Nursing HESI related questions and content

A client who has an indwelling catheter reports a need to urinate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

  • A. Check the catheter to see whether it is patent.
  • B. Reassure the client that it is not possible for them to urinate.
  • C. Re-catheterize the bladder with a larger-gauge catheter.
  • D. Collect a urine specimen for analysis.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a client with an indwelling catheter reports a need to urinate, the nurse's initial action should be to check the catheter for patency. This is crucial to ensure that the catheter is not blocked, twisted, or kinked, which could lead to urinary retention. Reassuring the client without assessing the catheter could delay necessary interventions. Re-catheterizing the bladder with a larger-gauge catheter should not be the first step unless catheter patency is confirmed as an issue. Collecting a urine specimen for analysis is important but not the immediate priority when the client reports a need to urinate.