Question

Question 2 the nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving diphenhydramine. the nurse notes that the patient has not voided for 12 hours. what action will the nurse take? encourage the patient to drink more fluids. evaluate the bladder to check for distension. request an order for an intravenous fluid bolus. request an order for urinary catheterization.

Answer 1

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an H1-antagonist, with unfortunate anti-cholinergic side effects: dry mouth (xerostomia), dry eyes (xerophthalmia), and also including urinary hesitancy and inability to void.
I would presume to think that the next best action would be to evaluate the bladder for bladder distension.
If overly distended, then a urinary (foley) catheterization may be warranted to void the patient. However, ordering a Foley first may be an unnecessary, uncomfortable, and likely painful procedure.
After examining the bladder externally (suprapubically), then fluids may be warranted.