When a postpartum patient does not void after catheter removal, which assessment is most important to perform first?

When a postpartum patient does not void after catheter removal, which assessment is most important to perform first?

• A. Provide privacy to void
• B. Re-catheterize
• C. Assess for abdominal distension
• D. Encourage void

Answer: (C)

When a postpartum patient doesn’t void after catheter removal, the first priority is to check whether the bladder is distended. A full bladder is a common and urgent cause of not voiding, and palpable suprapubic fullness or a bladder scan confirming distension indicates urinary retention needing decompression. This assessment guides the next step, such as draining the bladder, and it helps prevent complications from retention that could interfere with uterine contraction and recovery. If the bladder isn’t distended, the cause is less likely urinary retention, and you’d focus on other factors like comfort or privacy while continuing to monitor.

When a postpartum patient doesn’t void after catheter removal, the first priority is to check whether the bladder is distended. A full bladder is a common and urgent cause of not voiding, and palpable suprapubic fullness or a bladder scan confirming distension indicates urinary retention needing decompression. This assessment guides the next step, such as draining the bladder, and it helps prevent complications from retention that could interfere with uterine contraction and recovery. If the bladder isn’t distended, the cause is less likely urinary retention, and you’d focus on other factors like comfort or privacy while continuing to monitor.