Before leaving for the operating room, why is it common to ask a patient to void?

• A. To reduce anxiety.
• B. To prevent urinary retention and catheterization.
• C. To speed anesthesia.
• D. To minimize bleeding.

Answer: (C)

Voiding before going to the operating room helps prevent bladder distension and the need for catheterization once anesthesia is underway. Anesthesia and the surgical environment can cause the bladder to become atonic or not contract effectively, increasing the risk of urinary retention if the bladder is full. An empty bladder reduces this risk, makes postoperative voiding easier, and lowers the chance of needing intraoperative or postoperative catheterization and its associated complications. It isn’t about speeding up anesthesia, reducing bleeding, or easing anxiety.