A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who had abdominal surgery 6 hours ago. The client has an indwelling urinary catheter, and the nurse notes that urine output has been 20 mL over the past 2 hours. Which explanation best describes why this finding requires immediate nursing attention?
- Urine output less than 30 mL/hour is expected in the immediate postoperative period due to anesthesia effects
- Urine output of 20 mL over 2 hours is within normal limits for a postoperative client at rest
- Urine output less than 30 mL/hour may indicate inadequate renal perfusion or fluid deficit
- Low urine output after surgery is only significant if accompanied by elevated blood pressure