What should a nurse do if a patient is unable to void after surgery?

When a patient is unable to void after surgery, it is essential for the nurse to first assess for bladder distention. This involves palpating the abdomen to determine if the bladder is full, which can be an important indication of urinary retention. Encouraging ambulation can help stimulate the bladder and promote urination. Post-surgery, patients may experience temporary urinary retention due to factors such as anesthesia, medications, or the effects of surgery itself.

By assessing bladder distention and encouraging movement, the nurse addresses the issue in a thorough and safe manner, potentially allowing the patient to void naturally, which is the preferred approach before considering more invasive measures like catheterization. Administering additional fluids without assessment or ordering immediate catheterization without examination would not be appropriate first responses, as these actions could overlook important assessments needed to understand the patient's condition and could lead to unnecessary complications.