What should be your FIRST action if a patient in phase 2 recovery cannot urinate?

In the situation where a patient in phase 2 recovery cannot urinate, the initial action should be to perform a bladder scan. This non-invasive procedure allows you to assess the volume of urine in the bladder, which can determine whether the patient has urinary retention or if the inability to void is due to factors such as anxiety, anesthesia effects, or other physiological reasons.

Performing a bladder scan before taking further steps is critical in guiding subsequent nursing actions. If the scan shows significant urinary retention, further interventions such as catheterization may be warranted. If the bladder scan indicates that the bladder is empty, then other factors causing urinary difficulty can be explored.

Taking this proactive approach ensures that the patient's needs are assessed accurately and intervention is based on objective data rather than assumptions. This can lead to better patient outcomes and more efficient care in the PACU setting.