The client had an indwelling urinary catheter removed an hour ago and reports fullness and dribbling. What is the first action the practical nurse should take?

The client had an indwelling urinary catheter removed an hour ago and reports fullness and dribbling. What is the first action the practical nurse should take?

• A. Reinsert the catheter
• B. Perform a bladder scan 5 to 15 minutes after the client has voided
• C. Encourage fluids and reassess
• D. Apply a urinary retention belt

Answer: (B)

Urinary retention is the likely issue when a recently catheterized patient feels fullness and dribbles after removal. The first step is to quantify how much urine remains in the bladder after voiding. A bladder scan provides a quick, noninvasive measure of postvoid residual, giving objective data to guide next steps. Waiting about 5 to 15 minutes after voiding helps the bladder settle and yields a reliable residual volume. If the scan shows a significant residual, notify the clinician and consider intermittent catheterization or other ordered management. If residual is minimal, you can reassess and encourage fluids as appropriate. Replacing the catheter right away or using a retention belt isn’t the appropriate initial action; the key is to assess residual first to determine if retention persists and what to do next.

Urinary retention is the likely issue when a recently catheterized patient feels fullness and dribbles after removal. The first step is to quantify how much urine remains in the bladder after voiding. A bladder scan provides a quick, noninvasive measure of postvoid residual, giving objective data to guide next steps. Waiting about 5 to 15 minutes after voiding helps the bladder settle and yields a reliable residual volume. If the scan shows a significant residual, notify the clinician and consider intermittent catheterization or other ordered management. If residual is minimal, you can reassess and encourage fluids as appropriate. Replacing the catheter right away or using a retention belt isn’t the appropriate initial action; the key is to assess residual first to determine if retention persists and what to do next.