A nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a surgical procedure that necessitates the use of a urinary catheter. The patient is a 68-year-old female with a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs). After surgery, the nurse notes that the catheter is draining clear yellow urine but the patient reports discomfort with an urge to urinate frequently. The nurse understands that this situation may complicate the patient’s recovery.
Which nursing intervention should the nurse prioritize to manage the patient’s discomfort effectively while ensuring proper elimination?