In the case of low urine output after surgery, what is the first step to assess bladder volume?

• A. Urine culture
• B. Bladder scan
• C. Administer diuretics
• D. Imaging studies of the kidneys

Answer: (B)

The first step to assess bladder volume in a patient experiencing low urine output after surgery is to perform a bladder scan. A bladder scan is a non-invasive ultrasound test that provides immediate and accurate information about the volume of urine in the bladder. This assessment is crucial in determining whether urinary retention is the cause of low urine output, allowing for appropriate management to relieve any potential obstruction or retention.

Utilizing a bladder scan helps avoid unnecessary interventions and allows for a targeted approach in management. If bladder volume is significantly high, it can indicate retention requiring catheterization. On the other hand, if the bladder is shown to have normal volume or is empty, further investigation into renal function or other causes of low urine output would be warranted.

In contrast, obtaining a urine culture is primarily used to identify urinary tract infections, administering diuretics would not be a suitable initial step as it may exacerbate the problem if the cause of low output is retention, and imaging studies of the kidneys would not directly address bladder volume, making them less practical as the first step in this clinical scenario.