Before undergoing a hysterectomy, which precaution is commonly recommended?

• A. The bladder should be emptied prior to surgery, and a catheter may be placed
• B. Normal activity may resume within 48 hours
• C. No catheter use is required
• D. Menstrual cycles will continue after surgery

Answer: (A)

Before pelvic surgery like a hysterectomy, keeping the bladder empty is a common precaution. A full or distended bladder can obscure the surgical field and increase the risk of accidental injury to the bladder during dissection. Emptying the bladder helps the surgeon see and access the pelvic organs more clearly. Sometimes a catheter is placed to drain urine during the operation, which keeps the bladder decompressed and allows for accurate monitoring of urine output.

As for the other ideas: resuming normal activity within 48 hours is not a standard preoperative practice and recovery guidelines are oriented around postoperative healing. Not using a catheter is not typical for this procedure, since draining the bladder helps prevent complications and supports a smooth operation. Menstrual cycles cease after hysterectomy because the uterus that bleeds during menses is removed, so cycles do not continue.