After catheter removal, which action is the PN's next appropriate step if urinary retention is suspected?

• A. Reinsert catheter immediately.
• B. Palpate the bladder.
• C. Observe for fever.
• D. Perform a bladder scan 5-15 minutes after void.

Answer: (D)

When urinary retention is suspected after catheter removal, the key step is to use a bladder scan to measure the post-void residual volume. This noninvasive ultrasound assessment provides an objective estimate of how much urine remains in the bladder after the patient voids, which is the most reliable way to determine whether the bladder emptied adequately or if retention is occurring. Scanning a short time after voiding (about 5–15 minutes) helps confirm whether there is significant residual urine, guiding next steps such as planned re-catheterization or other management.

Palpating the bladder can hint at fullness but isn’t precise enough to quantify residual urine. Observing for fever doesn’t address retention directly. Reinsert­ing a catheter immediately without first assessing residual urine could expose the patient to unnecessary procedures and risks.