What is the priority action for a post-op TURP client with bright red urine and clots?

What is the priority action for a post-op TURP client with bright red urine and clots?

• A. Stop irrigation immediately
• B. Obtain a CT scan
• C. Increase irrigation per protocol and notify provider
• D. Administer a diuretic

Answer: (C)

In this situation, the key idea is to manage ongoing bleeding and keep the catheter patent to prevent obstruction from clots. Increasing the irrigation rate per protocol and notifying the provider directly targets both problems: it helps flush out clots that form in the bladder and keeps the catheter flowing, reducing the risk of bladder distention and further bleeding by maintaining continuous clearance. The provider can then assess whether further interventions are needed, such as adjusting irrigation or adding hemostatic measures. Stopping irrigation would let clots accumulate and could block the catheter, worsening drainage and bleeding. A CT scan isn’t the immediate priority here because it won’t address the obstruction or bleeding, and a diuretic wouldn’t stop the bleeding and could complicate fluid balance.

In this situation, the key idea is to manage ongoing bleeding and keep the catheter patent to prevent obstruction from clots. Increasing the irrigation rate per protocol and notifying the provider directly targets both problems: it helps flush out clots that form in the bladder and keeps the catheter flowing, reducing the risk of bladder distention and further bleeding by maintaining continuous clearance. The provider can then assess whether further interventions are needed, such as adjusting irrigation or adding hemostatic measures.

Stopping irrigation would let clots accumulate and could block the catheter, worsening drainage and bleeding. A CT scan isn’t the immediate priority here because it won’t address the obstruction or bleeding, and a diuretic wouldn’t stop the bleeding and could complicate fluid balance.