Abdominal Hysterectomy & Bilateral Salpingoophrectomy

[believeallispossible]

Okay, I am torn between 2 answers here: After having abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingoophrectomy 5 hours ago, what info is most important to communicate to the surgeon?

I know it's one of these two: The abdominal dressing has 1cm area of dark red drainage or the cathetor drainage bag shows 50mL since surgery.

Personally, I am leaning more towards the cathetor bag of 50mL. Because that is a REALLY low amount. A normal amount would consist of at least 30ml/hr. The surgery has been 5 hours ago.

then again, shouldn't a dressing that has red drainage be reported to? because it could lead to more serious complications?

What do you think?

thanks for helping me!!

[traumalover, RN]

Many patients have a small amt red drainage on their surgical dressing. If it is not getting bigger I would surely not call it, but mention it on rounds. catheter, definitely.

[Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN]

Definitely the low uop... a signal of poss low bp, poor perfusion, overall low volume. I would expect some drainage, and a LOT more than 50ml of urine. :) Ivanna

[scoochy]

Info to communicate to the surgeon: IVF (total) given in the OR; IVF (total) given in the PACU. Can the foley cath be irrigated? How long was the patient NPO before the surgery? Did they receive IVF as soon as they were admitted to the hospital? Have they had a post-op H & H? Check the anesthesia and PACU record. Only 50 cc of urine SINCE the surgery, or since she arrived on your unit? Either way, something is definitely not right with this picture!

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

One of the possible major complications of hysterectomy is damage to the bladder and/or ureters, so you need to monitor urinary output very closely.

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

Urine output is important-dry kidneys are bad! that is what I would report first and watch to see if the 1cm red drainage increases.

otessa

[cherrybreeze, ADN, RN]

Surgical dressings will often have some drainage and shadowing present. That is not necessarily a cause for alarm, especially not one cm. Mark that (circle it with a pen) to keep an eye on it's size. If it increases rapidly, only then would it be an issue.

The UOP, however, can be caused by several factors and needs to be addressed right away.

[jennifers]

drainage is very common with hysterectomy and c sections. The urine is a flag. :)