Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 71%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a female client who requires bed rest and reports difficulty urinating into a bedpan. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
Stroking the lower abdomen stimulates the bladder reflex, aiding urination. Running water, cool water, or leaning back are less effective.
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Tell the client to gently stroke their lower abdomen. This action stimulates the bladder reflex, which can aid in urination for the client experiencing difficulty. Stroking the lower abdomen can help relax the pelvic muscles and encourage urine flow into the bedpan. This technique is a non-invasive and effective method to assist the client in voiding.
Turning on the faucets in the client's sink (B) may create a sound that mimics running water, but it may not be as effective as physically stimulating the bladder reflex. Pouring cool water over the client's perineum (C) or instructing the client to lean slightly backward (D) are less likely to help with the difficulty urinating compared to gently stroking the lower abdomen. Therefore, the best course of action for the nurse to take in this situation is to instruct the client to gently stroke their lower abdomen.
Turning on the faucets in the client's sink (B) may create a sound that mimics running water, but it may not be as effective as physically stimulating the bladder reflex. Pouring cool water over the client's perineum (C) or instructing the client to lean slightly backward (D) are less likely to help with the difficulty urinating compared to gently stroking the lower abdomen. Therefore, the best course of action for the nurse to take in this situation is to instruct the client to gently stroke their lower abdomen.