Postoperative priority assessment after nephrectomy (kidney removal)?

• A. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate
• B. Check wound drainage
• C. Assess pain every four hours
• D. Measure urine input/output and weigh patient

Answer: (D)

The key idea is tracking fluid balance and kidney function when one kidney has been removed. With only one kidney remaining, the body relies on that single organ to regulate urine production and overall fluid status. Measuring how much urine the patient produces (urine input/output) and monitoring daily weight gives the most direct, timely insight into whether the remaining kidney is functioning well and whether fluids are being balanced appropriately. A drop in urine output can signal problems such as bleeding, dehydration, or impaired renal perfusion, while weight changes help detect fluid shifts—retention or loss—that also impact kidney function.

Vital signs and wound drainage are important overall safety monitors, and pain assessment is essential for comfort, but they don’t provide as immediate a view of renal function and fluid status as tracking urine output and body weight.