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Postoperative urinary retention — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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EasySurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Postoperative urinary retentionUSMLE Step 3

A 72-year-old man cannot void 8 hours after inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia. He has suprapubic discomfort and a palpable bladder. Bladder scan shows 760 mL of urine. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Correct answer: D — Bladder catheterization for decompression

Symptomatic postoperative urinary retention with high bladder volume requires catheter decompression.

Reference: ACS perioperative care principles