What action should be taken if post-op urine output is 10 mL/hr?

• A. Notify the health care provider
• B. Increase IV fluids without orders
• C. Document and monitor
• D. Check blood sugar

Answer: (A)

Postoperative urine output reflects kidney perfusion and fluid balance. A rate as low as 10 mL/hr is severely oliguria and suggests potential hypoperfusion, dehydration, bleeding, or an obstructed or malfunctioning catheter. Because this could indicate a serious problem, the nurse should promptly notify the health care provider so orders can be given for further evaluation and intervention (such as IV fluid management, labs, or catheter assessment).

Documenting and continuing to monitor is important, but waiting to inform the provider risks missing a rapid change in the patient’s status. Increasing IV fluids without orders can cause fluid overload or mask the underlying issue, and checking blood sugar does not directly address the immediate concern of oliguria in this context. The key action is to escalate to the provider for assessment and appropriate treatment.