RN Medical/Surgical NGN HESI 2023 Related

Review RN Medical/Surgical NGN HESI 2023 related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a postoperative client on an hourly basis. The nurse notes that the client's urine output for the past hour was 25 mL. Based on this finding, the nurse first:

  • A. Calls the physician
  • B. Increases the rate of the IV infusion
  • C. Checks the client's overall intake and output record
  • D. Administers a 250-mL bolus of normal saline solution (0.9%)
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Clients are at risk of hypovolemia postoperatively, and decreased urine output can be an early sign. However, to accurately interpret this finding, the nurse must assess the overall fluid balance by checking the client's intake and output records. Increasing the IV infusion rate or administering a bolus of normal saline solution without a physician's order would not be appropriate as these interventions require a prescription. The physician should be notified once the nurse has collected all necessary assessment data, including fluid status and vital signs.