Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

What should a patient expect after ureteral-stent insertion?

1. Mucous plugs

2. Bladder distention

3. Pink urine

4. Groin pain

The correct answer is: Pink urine

After ureteral-stent insertion, it is common for patients to experience some degree of hematuria, which refers to blood in the urine. This can manifest as pink or slightly reddish urine. This occurs due to irritation of the bladder and urinary tract caused by the presence of the stent. The stent can cause minor trauma to the lining of the ureters and bladder, leading to this temporary discoloration of urine, which is generally expected and not a cause for alarm unless it is accompanied by heavy bleeding or severe symptoms. While the other symptoms listed, such as mucous plugs, bladder distention, and groin pain, can occur following the procedure, they may not be as universally expected as pink urine. Mucous plugs may happen due to changes in urine composition or stent effect but are less predictable. Bladder distention may occur if there is obstruction or issues with normal voiding but is not a standard expectation post-procedure. Groin pain can arise due to the placement of the stent, yet pink urine remains a more common outcome directly following the insertion and is specifically observed in many patients as part of their recovery process.