Why should the nurse assess a patient's abdomen before assisting with the use of a urinal?

Assessing the abdomen before assisting a patient with the use of a urinal is important for several reasons, with a primary focus on bladder distention. When the nurse palpates the abdomen, they can evaluate whether the bladder is full and distended, which can indicate the patient needs to urinate. Bladder distention can lead to complications such as pain and discomfort if not addressed.

Understanding bladder fullness not only helps in ensuring the patient is comfortable but also contributes to effective care, as the nurse can then manage the urination process more effectively. If the bladder is distended, the nurse may recognize this as a signal that the patient should be assisted in using the urinal urgently to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.

The other options focus on different aspects of bowel elimination and pain assessment, which, while important in their own right, do not directly relate to the immediate need for urination as shown by examining bladder distention. This reinforces the need for the nurse to prioritize the assessment of bladder health when facilitating urination.