When monitoring a postoperative client after urethral resection, what is the primary concern that should be addressed?

The primary concern when monitoring a postoperative client after urethral resection is preventing urinary retention. After such a surgical procedure, there is a high risk that the anatomy of the urinary tract may be altered, which can lead to difficulty in urination or complete urinary retention. It is crucial to assess the patient’s ability to void and monitor for any symptoms that may suggest urinary retention, such as bladder distention, pain, or discomfort.

Maintaining fluid intake is important for overall recovery and can help in flushing the urinary system, but it is secondary to the immediate need to ensure that the bladder can effectively empty. Managing pain levels is also important as uncontrolled pain can inhibit the client’s ability to mobilize and participate in their care, but it is not the primary concern in this specific postoperative context. Ensuring wound healing is vital to the overall recovery process; however, the immediate concern revolves around the functionality of the urinary tract following the surgery, making the prevention of urinary retention the most critical aspect of postoperative care in this scenario.