Why should a patient void before surgery?

leslie :-D · Nov 29, 2009

it's a way of preventing post-op urinary retention, which can result from the anesthesia.

leslie

TASIA305 · Nov 29, 2009

thankz!

pinkiepie_RN · Nov 29, 2009

I always thought it was so it wasn't the first thing they wanted to do immediately post-op after recovery but that's good sense too.

MERRYWIDOW46 · Nov 29, 2009

A FULL bladder pushes on other abdominal organs and can distort internal anatomy. Also, even though urine is sterile, they do not want the patient to accidentally pass urine during the procedure and contaminate the field. Wet=NOT sterile any longer.

elkpark · Nov 29, 2009

Sounds like a homework question.

roser13, ASN, RN · Nov 29, 2009

Are we doing your homework?

Freedom42 · Nov 29, 2009

I thought it was to reduce the risk of bladder perforation.

NICU_babyRN, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2009

I thought it was to reduce the risk of bladder perforation.

This is ALSO correct. All the responses are correct, but this is not a "do my hw for me site".:angryfire

Whispera, MSN, RN · Nov 29, 2009

To the original poster...your question sounded so much like a homework question that I looked to see what else you've posted in allnurse.com. You have posted 4 times and 3 of those posts seem to be homework questions (the other thanks someone for an answer). Please don't ask us to do your homework.

sunnycalifRN · Dec 1, 2009

To the original poster...your question sounded so much like a homework question that I looked to see what else you've posted in allnurse.com. You have posted 4 times and 3 of those posts seem to be homework questions (the other thanks someone for an answer). Please don't ask us to do your homework.

Problem solving and critical thinking are part of the nursing process. Plus, you retain information much better when you do the research. Enjoy your homework.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Dec 1, 2009

I always thought it was so it wasn't the first thing they wanted to do immediately post-op after recovery but that's good sense too.

Unfortunately the removing the catheter right before the patient wakes up makes them feel like they have to go as soon as they wake up. Or maybe it was just me. My first laproscopy sp?I woke up with an urgent sensation that I had to pee and I asked them if I could, they insisted my bladder was just emptied and I didn't need to go but the urge was very strong and looking back I was probably a PITA patient because I said no I need to go, they wanted me to use a bed pan in a room with a few patients that were just coming out of surgery and I would have no privacy and I refused, I am a VERY modest person, (it was horrifying enough to realize my gown was on backwards which meant it was OFF at one point. I understand why of course but still horrifying for me none the less). Anyway, I kept insisting and so finally someone gave me privacy and a bed pan and I was able to void.

When I had to go on for another Lapro and I woke up with that urgent feeling again I knew to expect it and what it was from so I just dealt with it. Although initially if they would have explained to me that the Catheter can cause it to feel that way I would have been cool the first time. Maybe it is not a common side effect though, I don't know, but it's been that way for me every time.