Experiences no
bleeding or passage
of blood clots
Reports no pain
around the catheter
Experiences normal
frequency or
urination
Reports normal
urinary output
Maintains bladder
control
1. Certain changes signal
beginning complications,
which call for nursing and
medical interventions.
a. Hematuria with or
without blood clot
formation may occur
postoperatively.
b. Indwelling urinary
catheters may be a
source of infections.
c. Urinary frequency
may be caused by
urinary tract
infections or by
bladder neck
obstruction, resulting
in incomplete
voiding.
d. Bladder neck
obstruction decreases
the amount of urine
that is voided.
e. Urinary incontinence
may be a result of
urinary retention.
- Alert the patient to changes
that may occur (after
discharge) and that need to
be reported:
a. Continued bloody
urine; passing blood
clots
b. Pain; burning
around the catheter
c. Frequency of
urination
d. Diminished urinary
output
e. Increasing loss of
bladder control
Nursing Process
The Patient Undergoing Prostatectomy
Assessment
The nurse assesses how the underlying disorder (BPH or prostate cancer) has affected
the patient's lifestyle. Questions to ask during assessment include the following: Has
the patient's activity level or activity tolerance changed? What is his presenting
urinary problem (described in the patient's own words)? Has he experienced
decreased force of urinary flow, decreased ability to initiate voiding, urgency,
frequency, nocturia, dysuria, urinary retention, hematuria? Does the patient report
associated problems, such as back pain, flank pain, and lower abdominal or
suprapubic discomfort? Possible causes of such discomfort include infection,
retention, and renal colic. Has the patient experienced erectile dysfunction or changes
in frequency or enjoyment of sexual activity?
The nurse obtains further information about the patient's family history of cancer and
heart or kidney disease, including hypertension. Has he lost weight? Does he appear
pale? Can he raise himself out of bed and return to bed without assistance? Can he
perform usual activities of daily living? This information helps determine how soon
the patient will be able to return to normal activities after prostatectomy.
Diagnosis
Based on the assessment data, the patient's major nursing diagnoses may include the
following.
Preoperative Nursing Diagnoses
