After an abdominal hysterectomy, which assessment should the nurse report immediately?

The assessment that should be reported immediately after an abdominal hysterectomy is decreased urine output. This is significant because urine output is a vital indicator of renal function and fluid balance. After surgery, patients may experience changes in kidney function due to factors such as anesthesia, fluid shifts, or blood loss. A marked decrease in urine output can be an early sign of complications like acute kidney injury or inadequate perfusion, which require prompt intervention to prevent further complications.

In the context of the other assessments, while abdominal swelling and bilateral lung sounds may warrant monitoring, they are not as immediately critical as urine output. Increased blood pressure can indicate stress or pain, but it may not necessarily denote a life-threatening condition requiring urgent intervention in the same way that decreased urine output does. Therefore, timely recognition and reporting of decreased urine output is essential for ensuring patient safety and addressing potential complications post-surgery.