What is a key consideration in postoperative urinary care?

• A. Rely on patient self-report and avoid measuring output
• B. Monitor intake and output, assess for urinary retention, promote early voiding, manage pain, remove catheter as soon as feasible, and prevent infections
• C. Delay catheter removal until discharge
• D. Focus only on pain control; I&O is not necessary

Answer: (B)

Postoperative urinary care focuses on preventing retention and infection while helping the bladder regain its function. The best approach includes careful intake and output monitoring to track fluid balance and detect any reductions in urine that could signal dehydration or retention. Assessing for urinary retention is essential because anesthesia and opioid use can slow bladder emptying, leading to discomfort and potential bladder dysfunction if not addressed. Promoting early voiding supports normal bladder function and reduces the risk of infection and catheter-associated complications. Pain management is important because uncomfortable or painful patients are less likely to void promptly; adequate analgesia helps them void more naturally. Removing the catheter as soon as feasible minimizes infection risk and encourages the return to normal urination. Preventing infections ties all these steps together, emphasizing proper catheter care, hygiene, and timely removal.

Relying on patient self-report alone misses objective data about urine production and flow. Delaying catheter removal until discharge prolongs exposure to infection risk and can increase urinary retention. Focusing only on pain control neglects the crucial need to monitor output and ensure timely voiding.