prostatography

Patient Care. Prior to the procedure the patient should be given an adequate explanation of its purpose and expected outcome, and of the need for proper preparation. Because the full cooperation of the patient is of crucial importance to a successful test, it is essential that the patient be told what is expected of him or her when the procedure is done under local anesthesia. During the procedure, if the patient is awake, the nurse or other attendant should be alert for indications of sudden pain, which could signify perforation of the urethra or other structures. Another complication that can occur in patients with a history of heart disease is cardiac arrhythmia.

The plan of care following cystoscopy should include observation of the amount and character of the urine. Some slight coloration from blood should be expected, but any frank bleeding and passing of clots should be reported to the surgeon. Other problems likely to require nursing intervention are discomfort from bladder spasms, back pain, a feeling of fullness and burning in the bladder region, and possible urinary retention. Nursing measures would include warm sitz baths, relaxation techniques to promote rest and provide relief from pain, and administration of prescribed medications.

If chilling and fever occur and do not respond to attempts to provide warmth and to increased fluid intake, there could be an infection in the urinary tract requiring antibacterial therapy.