What should a nurse do first if a TURP patient's indwelling urinary catheter has not drained in the last hour?

In the case of a TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) patient whose indwelling urinary catheter has not drained for an hour, the most appropriate first action is to check the tubing for kinks. Catheter occlusion is a common issue that can prevent drainage, and kinks in the tubing are a frequent cause of this problem. By checking for kinks, the nurse can quickly determine if the blockage can be resolved without requiring further interventions.

Resolving any obstruction at this early stage can prevent complications such as bladder distension or infection. If kinks are found and corrected, it may restore normal flow and alleviate the need for more invasive measures. Other options, such as notifying the provider or irrigating the catheter, may be necessary if checking the tubing does not resolve the issue, but identifying and addressing a simple obstruction is always the priority in nursing practice.