Post-TURP catheter management: what is a typical nursing priority in the immediate postoperative period?

• A. Ensure continuous bladder irrigation as ordered to prevent clot retention; monitor catheter patency, drainage, and bag height; monitor for bleeding.
• B. Remove the catheter immediately post-op.
• C. Remove the drainage bag to assess urine color.
• D. Clamp the catheter to prevent drainage.

Answer: (A)

Immediately after TURP, the main focus is keeping the bladder drainage controlled and clear to prevent clot formation and ensure healing. This means continuing bladder irrigation as ordered to flush out blood and clots, while watching that the catheter stays patent and that drainage is flowing properly. Check that the irrigation rate is correct, the catheter isn’t kinked, and the drainage bag remains at the right height so gravity helps drainage and there’s no backflow. Also monitor the amount and color of urine, and watch for any increasing bleeding or clots, reporting significant changes promptly.

Removing the catheter right away would risk urinary retention and postoperative bleeding. Opening or removing the drainage bag to assess urine color breaks the closed drainage system and increases infection risk and potential for clot retention. Clamping the catheter to prevent drainage disrupts flow, can lead to bladder distension and clot formation, and is only done for specific, order-guided situations rather than as a routine post-op step.