Question

A client has returned from surgery for a radical prostatectomy. The nurse would adjust the flow of sterile normal saline in a three-way bladder irrigation to keep the urine a. bright red b. pale yellow c. pink-tinged d. dark amber

Short answer

c. pink-tinged

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Goal of Bladder Irrigation

The purpose of the three-way bladder irrigation system is to keep the bladder free from clots and to ensure clear drainage after a prostate surgery.

Recognize Normal Post-Surgery Urine Color

After a radical prostatectomy, it is normal for urine to have a light pink tinge due to small amounts of blood mixing with the urine.

Identify the Optimal Urine Color

The optimal urine color to maintain is pink-tinged. This indicates that the irrigation is effective and that there is a controlled amount of bleeding, which is expected shortly after surgery.

Choose the Correct Answer

Based on the information, adjust the saline flow to keep the urine slightly pink-tinged, which means the correct answer is c. pink-tinged.

Key concepts

Three-Way Bladder Irrigation

Three-way bladder irrigation is a technique used to prevent blood clots from forming in the bladder after surgeries like a radical prostatectomy. This system uses three lumens: one for inflating the catheter balloon, one for irrigation fluid to flow into the bladder, and one for urine and fluid drainage. Keeping the bladder flushed out ensures that any blood clots or tissue debris do not obstruct the urinary pathway. This is crucial for maintaining bladder and kidney health post-surgery.

Radical Prostatectomy

A radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at removing the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissue, typically to treat prostate cancer. Undergoing this surgery means that patients will need diligent post-surgery care to manage any complications and ensure proper recovery. The procedure can often lead to bleeding, necessitating the use of a three-way bladder irrigation system for optimal management of the bladder and urinary tract.

Urine Color Management

One of the key indicators of a successful three-way bladder irrigation is the color of the urine. After a radical prostatectomy, it is common and expected for patients to have urine that is slightly pink-tinged. This indicates a normal, small amount of blood, which mixes with the urine. However, if the urine color turns bright red, it may indicate excessive bleeding, whereas dark amber urine can reflect dehydration or other issues. Therefore, keeping the urine at a pink-tinged color ensures proper irrigation and optimal healing conditions.

Nursing Intervention

Nurses play a critical role in the post-surgery care of patients who have undergone a radical prostatectomy. They are responsible for adjusting the flow rate of the saline in the three-way bladder irrigation system. This involves meticulous monitoring and ensuring that the irrigation fluid keeps the urine at the desired pink-tinged color. Additionally, nurses need to monitor the patient for any signs of complications, educate them about the importance of fluid intake, and manage their overall recovery process. Through diligent nursing interventions, patients are supported to achieve the best possible outcomes after their surgery.