Urinary System and Catheterization Lecture

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the anatomy of the urinary system, types of urinary catheters, management of drainage systems, and clinical terms related to nursing elimination care.

Kidneys

Organs that clear the blood of toxic chemicals and maintain the body's fluid balance by filtering blood and producing urine.

Ureters

The two tubes that carry urine from the kidneys down to the urinary bladder.

Urinary Bladder

An elastic, muscular storage organ that expands like a balloon to hold urine until it is eliminated.

Urethra

The tube through which urine exits the body; it is longer in males and shorter in females.

Nephron

The smallest functional unit within the kidney where the actual filtration of blood happens.

Catheter

A hollow tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine, often used to measure output accurately or bypass obstructions.

Sphincters

Muscles at the bladder exit that provide voluntary control over the release of urine.

Prostate Gland

A structure in males that wraps around the urethra; enlargement can squeeze the urethra and cause urine to dribble or lose pressure.

Functional Incontinence

Involuntary loss of urine caused by environmental factors, such as a locked bathroom or lack of assistance, rather than a physical bladder problem.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

A nurse with a master's degree and advanced training who can prescribe medication and focus on holistic, person-centered nursing management.

Hematuria

The medical term referring to the presence of blood in the urine.

Straight Catheter

Also called an "in-and-out" catheter, it is inserted to drain the bladder once (for a sample or to relieve distention) and then immediately removed.

Indwelling Catheter

Commonly known as a Foley's catheter, it remains in the bladder and is held in place by an inflated balloon at the tip.

Suprapubic Catheter

A catheter inserted directly into the bladder through a puncture in the abdomen, used when the urethra cannot be used.

Closed Drainage System

A system where the catheter is connected to a drainage bag in a way that prevents outside germs or bacteria from entering.

Backflow

The dangerous movement of urine from a drainage bag back into the bladder, which occurs if the bag is lifted above the level of the bladder.

Nephritis

A serious infection of the kidneys that can occur when bacteria from a lower urinary tract infection travel upward.

Bladder Retraining

The process of clamping and unclamping an indwelling catheter to help the bladder regain muscle tone and elastic capacity after prolonged use.

Graduated Container

A measuring device (also called a hat or beaker) used to obtain an accurate measurement of urine output, as drainage bag markings are often inaccurate.

Leg Bag

A small urinary drainage bag attached to the client's leg, allowing for greater mobility and improved quality of life during the day.

Condom Catheter

A non-invasive catching system for male clients that fits over the penis and connects to a drainage bag to prevent soiling of clothing.