Chapter 25

Urinary System

Eliminates waste and excess fluid as urine.

Digestive System

Eliminates solid waste as feces.

Bedside Commode

A portable toilet chair beside the bed.

Bedpan

Used for individuals who cannot get out of bed to eliminate.

Fracture Pan

A shallow bedpan for people with injuries or limited movement.

Urinal

Collects urine when a person cannot reach the toilet.

Prompt Elimination Assistance

Prevents accidents, discomfort, and falls.

Importance of Privacy

Protects dignity and helps the person relax during elimination.

Encouraging Fluids

Supports normal urine flow and softens stool, unless restricted.

Wearing Gloves

Protects against germs and body fluids when handling urine or feces.

Urination

Passing urine; also called voiding or micturition.

Urinalysis

Laboratory testing of urine.

Clean-Catch Urine Specimen

Sample collected midstream to reduce contamination.

Hematuria

Blood in the urine.

Urinary Frequency

Urinating more often than usual.

Urinary Urgency

A sudden, strong need to urinate.

Nocturia

Waking at night to urinate.

Dysuria

Painful or difficult urination.

Oliguria

Abnormally low urine output.

Polyuria

Abnormally high urine output.

Diuresis

Increased production of urine.

Anuria

Little or no urine production.

Urine Changes to Report

Unusual color, cloudiness, odor, or amount.

Measuring Urine Output

To monitor fluid balance and kidney function.

Urinary Catheter

A tube that drains urine from the bladder.

Straight Catheter

Inserted to drain urine, then removed.

Indwelling Catheter

A catheter left in the bladder for continuous drainage.

Foley Catheter

An indwelling catheter held in place by a balloon.

Suprapubic Catheter

A catheter entering the bladder through the abdomen.

Need for Catheter

To drain urine when a person cannot urinate normally.

Sterile Technique for Catheter Insertion

Prevents bacteria from entering the bladder.

Catheter Care

Cleaning the perineal area and exposed catheter tubing.

Drainage Bag Position

Kept below the bladder and off the floor.

Drainage Bag and Bladder Position Relationship

Prevents urine from flowing backward and causing infection.

Catheter Tubing Position

Secured with slack and free of kinks.

Importance of Connected Drainage System

Disconnecting can introduce bacteria.

Catheter Problems to Report

No urine flow, pain, leakage, redness, swelling, or unusual urine.

Frequency of Catheter Care

Routinely and whenever soiled, following facility policy.

Urinary Incontinence

Involuntary loss of urine.

Stress Incontinence

Urine leakage with coughing, sneezing, or exertion.

Urge Incontinence

Urine leakage immediately after a strong urge.

Functional Incontinence

Inability to reach the toilet in time.

Overflow Incontinence

Leakage from an overly full bladder that cannot empty properly.

Reflex Incontinence

Automatic urination caused by impaired nerve control.

Urinary Retention

Inability to empty the bladder fully or at all.

Incontinence Pads and Briefs

Absorb urine and protect clothing.

Prompt Changing of Wet Briefs

To prevent skin irritation and breakdown.

Condom Catheter

An external sheath that drains urine into a bag.

Female External Catheter

Device that draws urine away from the body by suction.

Bladder Training

Scheduled toileting to improve urinary control.

Chyme

Partially digested food mixed with fluid.

Peristalsis

Wave-like muscle contractions that move intestinal contents.

Feces

Solid waste eliminated through the rectum and anus.

Flatus

Gas passed from the intestines.

Diarrhea

Frequent, loose or watery stools.

Constipation

Difficult or infrequent passage of hard stool.

Laxative

Medication that stimulates bowel movements.

Stool Softeners

Help retain moisture in stool.

Fiber Supplements

Add bulk and help stool retain fluid.

Fecal Impaction

Hard stool stuck in the rectum.

Flatulence

Excess intestinal gas causing bloating or discomfort.

Fecal Incontinence

Inability to control bowel movements.

Stool Changes to Report

Blood, unusual color, diarrhea, constipation, or major changes.

Hydration Importance for Bowel Elimination

Helps keep stool soft and easier to pass.

Enema

Fluid inserted into the rectum to help empty the bowel.

Cleansing Enema

A larger-volume enema that removes feces.

Oil-Retention Enema

Oil that lubricates and softens stool.

Commercial Enema

A prepackaged, small-volume enema.

Enema Position

Left Sims’ position.

Importance of Checking Enema Temperature

Too cold causes cramping; too hot can injure tissue.

'Until Clear' in Cleansing Enema

The returned fluid contains no fecal material.

Enema Administration

Usually a nurse; trained assistants only if facility policy permits.

Ostomy

A surgically created opening for waste to leave the body.

Stoma

The opening created during ostomy surgery.

Ileostomy

An opening from the small intestine.

Colostomy

An opening from the large intestine.

Perineal Care Importance

Prevents irritation, odor, and infection.

Trouble Urinating Response

Provide privacy and relaxation; report persistent difficulty.

Embarrassment about Elimination

Protect privacy, show respect, and reassure them.

Main Goal of Assisting with Elimination

Promote normal elimination, safety, comfort, and dignity.