Postoperatively, which finding would be most concerning for the nurse to note?

Postoperatively, which finding would be most concerning for the nurse to note?

• A. Urinary output of less than 30 mL per hour
• B. Absent bowel sounds
• C. Pain from the incision site
• D. Scant serosanguinous drainage from the incision

Answer: (A)

Postoperative urine output reflects how well circulating volume and kidney perfusion are being maintained after surgery. A rate below 30 mL per hour suggests the kidneys aren’t being adequately perfused, which can indicate hypovolemia, bleeding, dehydration, or early renal dysfunction. This finding prompts immediate assessment and intervention because preserving renal perfusion is essential to prevent acute kidney injury and other complications. In contrast, absent bowel sounds are common right after anesthesia and surgery as the GI tract slows down temporarily. Pain from the incision site is expected and manageable with comfort measures. Tiny amounts of serosanguinous drainage from the incision are typical in the immediate postoperative period and do not usually signal a problem unless they're increasing or changing in character.

Postoperative urine output reflects how well circulating volume and kidney perfusion are being maintained after surgery. A rate below 30 mL per hour suggests the kidneys aren’t being adequately perfused, which can indicate hypovolemia, bleeding, dehydration, or early renal dysfunction. This finding prompts immediate assessment and intervention because preserving renal perfusion is essential to prevent acute kidney injury and other complications.

In contrast, absent bowel sounds are common right after anesthesia and surgery as the GI tract slows down temporarily. Pain from the incision site is expected and manageable with comfort measures. Tiny amounts of serosanguinous drainage from the incision are typical in the immediate postoperative period and do not usually signal a problem unless they're increasing or changing in character.