What is an appropriate nursing action when a patient on opioids develops urinary retention?

• A. Assess urinary output and notify appropriate staff
• B. Increase opioid dose
• C. Restrict fluid intake
• D. Administer a laxative only

Answer: (A)

Urinary retention from opioids happens because the drug can slow the bladder’s ability to contract and increase outlet resistance, so the goal is to detect and address it promptly. The appropriate nursing action is to assess how much urine the patient is producing, look for signs of bladder distension or discomfort, and notify the appropriate staff so a plan can be made. This early assessment lets the team decide whether a bladder scan or intermittent catheterization is needed, or whether analgesia should be adjusted to reduce the anticholinergic/constipating effects of opioids. Increasing the opioid dose would worsen retention, while restricting fluids or giving a laxative only do not address the retention and can cause other problems.