If a ureteral stent is placed after stone treatment, what is an essential nursing consideration?

• A. Do not monitor urine
• B. Monitor for pain, bleeding, infection; educate on stent care; monitor urine color and output
• C. Remove stent immediately
• D. Increase strenuous activity to help passage

Answer: (B)

Postoperative care after placing a ureteral stent focuses on careful assessment and patient education to prevent and catch complications early. The essential nursing consideration is to monitor for pain, bleeding, and signs of infection, and to educate on stent care while watching urine color and output. Pain and discomfort can indicate irritation or partial obstruction, while visible or persistent blood in the urine and changes in urine output may signal bleeding or issues with drainage. Signs of infection—such as fever, chills, or foul-smelling urine—need prompt assessment. Educating the patient about how to care for the stent, what activities are safe, and what symptoms to report helps prevent complications and ensures continued urine flow. Prematurely removing the stent or encouraging strenuous activity could worsen outcomes, so these options aren’t appropriate.