HESI Fundamental Practice Exam Related

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When using an open irrigation technique to irrigate a client's indwelling urinary catheter, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

  • A. Place the client in a side-lying position
  • B. Instill 15 mL of irrigation fluid into the catheter with each flush
  • C. Subtract the amount of irrigant used from the client's urine output
  • D. Perform the irrigation using a 20 mL syringe
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when using an open irrigation technique on a client with an indwelling urinary catheter is to subtract the amount of irrigant used from the client's urine output. This calculation helps ensure an accurate measurement of the client's actual urine output by accounting for the irrigation fluid introduced into the catheter. Placing the client in a side-lying position (Choice A) is not directly related to the irrigation procedure. Instilling a specific volume of irrigation fluid (Choice B) may vary depending on the client's condition and the healthcare provider's order. Using a 20 mL syringe for irrigation (Choice D) is a matter of equipment choice and does not directly impact the calculation of urine output in this context.