How should a nurse assist a postoperative patient having difficulty passing urine?

Assisting a patient who is experiencing difficulty passing urine is an important aspect of postoperative care. Helping the patient to achieve a normal voiding position is beneficial because it can facilitate the process of urination. A normal voiding position, whether sitting or standing, allows for better relaxation of the pelvic muscles and can help in effectively emptying the bladder. This is particularly significant after surgery, where discomfort or limited mobility can hinder a patient's ability to urinate normally.

While encouraging fluid intake can be helpful in promoting urine production, without comfort and proper positioning, simply drinking more fluids may not resolve the issue of urinary retention. It is also crucial to approach catheterization cautiously; inserting a catheter immediately may not be necessary unless other interventions have failed since it carries a risk of infection and should be considered a last resort. Providing a bedpan may be useful for patients who are unable to use a toilet, but it does not directly address the issue of positioning that can aid in easing the process of urination.