After left nephrectomy, monitoring urine drainage through the indwelling catheter is important because it helps assess what?

• A. Function of the remaining kidney
• B. Presence of infection in the remaining kidney
• C. Urine pH level
• D. Bladder capacity

Answer: (A)

Renal function of the remaining kidney is what this monitoring targets. After a nephrectomy, the other kidney must compensate by continuing to filter and produce urine. The amount and pattern of urine drainage through the catheter directly reflect how well that kidney is functioning and sustaining perfusion and fluid balance. Adequate urine output indicates the remaining kidney is doing its job; low output can signal problems such as dehydration, reduced blood flow to the remaining kidney, or a ureteral/urinary complication that needs attention. Urine pH, bladder capacity, or signs of infection aren’t the primary way we gauge how well the single remaining kidney is working in this postoperative context.