After TURP, what is a key assessment topic to prevent postoperative complications?

• A. Catheter patency and irrigation rate; monitor for bleeding and TURP syndrome; output and I&O.
• B. Remove catheter within 2 hours.
• C. Start high-dose antibiotics immediately.
• D. Do not monitor urine output.

Answer: (A)

After TURP, the priority is safe bladder drainage and prevention of bleeding-related and irrigation-fluid–related complications. The best approach focuses on keeping the catheter patent and regulating the bladder irrigation rate. When the catheter remains open and the irrigation is at the prescribed rate, urine flows freely and clots are flushed out, reducing the risk of urinary retention and ongoing bleeding. This setup also helps prevent TURP syndrome, a risk from absorption of irrigation fluid, by avoiding rapid shifts in fluid and electrolytes.

Ongoing assessment should include monitoring urine output and intake to track fluid balance, looking at the color and flow of urine for signs of bleeding or obstruction, and noting any changes in mental status or vital signs that could indicate TURP syndrome or hemodynamic instability. Removing the catheter too soon could trigger retention or bleeding, while starting high-dose antibiotics immediately is not routinely required without infection signs, and not monitoring urine output would miss early warning signs of complications.