What must the nurse consider when assessing for urinary retention?

When assessing for urinary retention, understanding the timing of the last urination is essential. Monitoring how long it has been since the patient last urinated helps the nurse determine if the patient is experiencing retention issues. Urinary retention may be indicated if there is an extended period without voiding, particularly if the patient has the urge to urinate but cannot do so.

This timing provides critical information about the patient's urinary output and can guide further assessments and interventions. If a patient has not voided for a significant period, it raises concern for potential complications from urinary retention, such as bladder distension or infection. Addressing this factor allows the nurse to respond appropriately, whether it be by further interventions such as catheterization, assessing for underlying causes, or notifying the healthcare provider.