After stone management procedures, what are key nursing priorities?

• A. Only monitor blood pressure
• B. Pain control, monitoring for bleeding and infection, urine color and output, and stent care if placed
• C. Pain control only
• D. No monitoring needed

Answer: (C)

After stone management procedures, the focus is on comfort and preventing or catching complications early. Pain control is essential because urinary tract procedures or stone fragments can cause significant discomfort, and effective analgesia helps the patient rest, move, and recover more smoothly.

Alongside pain relief, close monitoring for bleeding and infection is important. Post-procedure bleeding can indicate ongoing irritation or complications, and early signs of infection need prompt attention to prevent sepsis. Checking vital signs, symptoms, and any fever or rigors guides timely intervention.

Watching urine color and output is a key part of the plan too. Clear drainage and adequate urine output suggest things are flowing properly, while changes like persistent bright red or coffee-ground urine, decreased output, or newly evolving clots can signal problems that require assessment and action.

If a stent was placed, specific stent care is needed. Stents can cause discomfort, urinary frequency, urgency, or dysuria, and they require monitoring for proper drainage and timely removal as advised. Education about hydration, activity limits, and warning signs helps the patient manage this layer of care safely.

In short, these elements together—pain control, vigilance for bleeding and infection, urine monitoring, and stent-specific care if applicable—constitute the comprehensive nursing priorities after stone management procedures.