What is the highest priority for a patient with oliguria on the second postoperative day?

The highest priority for a patient with oliguria on the second postoperative day is to monitor vital signs for hypotension. Oliguria, defined as a reduced urine output, can be an early indicator of inadequate renal perfusion and may suggest that the patient is experiencing complications such as dehydration, bleeding, or shock. Monitoring vital signs, particularly blood pressure, is crucial in this context as hypotension can reflect an underlying systemic issue that requires immediate attention.

If a patient is hypotensive, it could lead to further complications such as acute kidney injury due to decreased blood flow to the kidneys. Therefore, timely identification and response to changes in vital signs can help prevent more severe adverse events.

While other considerations such as assessing for urinary tract infections, monitoring for signs of dehydration, and evaluating Foley catheter patency are important, they are not as critical as directly assessing vital signs in relation to potential hypotension, especially in the immediate postoperative period. This is a time when the patient may be at higher risk for hemodynamic instability, making it essential to maintain a close watch on vital signs.