Which finding is most important to monitor for TURP syndrome after TURP surgery?

• A. Hyponatremia symptoms such as confusion.
• B. Hyperkalemia symptoms.
• C. Fever alone.
• D. No monitoring required.

Answer: (A)

In TURP, the irrigation fluid can be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to dilutional hyponatremia (TURP syndrome). The brain is particularly sensitive to low sodium, so a key danger is cerebral edema from hyponatremia. This is why neuro symptoms like confusion, agitation, headache, nausea, and even seizures or coma are the most important findings to monitor after TURP. Regularly checking mental status and serum sodium helps catch TURP syndrome early and guide prompt management.

Hyperkalemia isn’t the typical hallmark of TURP syndrome, and fever alone suggests infection rather than the fluid-electrolyte imbalance caused by irrigation absorption. So prioritizing monitoring for hyponatremia and neuro changes best targets the main risk after TURP.