When performing open irrigation on a patient's indwelling urinary catheter, what action should the nurse take?

When performing open irrigation on a patient's indwelling urinary catheter, it is essential to ensure accurate measurement of the patient's urine output. The correct action is to subtract the amount of irrigate used from the patient's total urine output. This is necessary because the fluid used for irrigation is not part of the patient's actual urine output; rather, it is an external addition to the system.

Accurate documentation is crucial in nursing practice for monitoring the patient's kidney function and overall fluid balance. By subtracting the volume of the irrigant, the nurse provides a clearer picture of the patient's urinary output, reflecting what the kidneys are producing directly, which is vital for assessing the patient's condition and the effectiveness of urinary interventions.

This practice ensures that clinical decisions and treatments are based on accurate data, helping to avoid potential complications related to fluid volume overload or inaccurate assessments of renal function.