NRSG 200 Quiz 7

terminology

Anuria

The absence or severely reduced production of urine, defined clinically as output of less than 50 mL in 24 hours. It is a critical sign of potential kidney failure or a urinary tract obstruction and is often a medical emergency. Nursing care involves recognizing anuria and monitoring for related symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, and confusion; this can happen as a result of shock, severe blood loss, or heart or kidney failure

blood urea nitrogen

a blood test that measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product formed from the breakdown of protein. A BUN test evaluates kidney function, as healthy kidneys filter urea out of the blood and excrete it through urine. A high BUN can indicate kidney issues like failure or disease, while low levels can be related to liver disease, malnutrition, or fluid overload. 

creatinine clearance

a measure of how well the kidneys are removing creatinine, a waste product, from the blood and excreting it in urine. It is used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a key indicator of overall kidney function. A higher clearance rate indicates better kidney function, while a lower rate can signal kidney problems, and the test requires accurate urine collection (often 24 hours) and blood work to calculate. 

dialysis

a medical treatment that removes waste products and extra fluid from the blood when the kidneys can't do their job. It works by filtering the blood either outside the body using a machine (hemodialysis) or inside the body using the abdominal cavity (peritoneal dialysis). This process helps control blood pressure and balance minerals like potassium and sodium.  

diuretics

a medication that increases urine production to help the body eliminate excess fluid and salt. This is often referred to as a "water pill" and is used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, and edema (swelling) by reducing fluid buildup and lowering blood pressure.

dysuria

pain or discomfort with urination often due to infection or injury; often described as a burning sensation

enuresis

the involuntary loss of urine in children aged five and older, most commonly known as bedwetting. It is classified as either monosymptomatic (only occurring during sleep) or non-monosymptomatic (involving daytime symptoms like urgency and frequency). The condition can be primary (never achieved a period of dryness) or secondary (a relapse after a period of dryness). 

ileal conduit

a surgical urinary diversion procedure, often performed after bladder removal (cystectomy), that creates a new way for urine to exit the body. A section of the small intestine (ileum) is used to create a channel, with the ureters connected to one end and the other end brought through the abdominal wall to form a stoma (urostomy). This stoma allows urine to continuously drain into an external collection pouch worn on the body. 

nephrostomy

a procedure where a tube is inserted through the skin into the kidney to drain urine, typically when there is a blockage in the urinary tract.

neurogenic bladder

impaired urinary elimination due to nerve damage, resulting in a loss of bladder control. This can manifest as difficulty voiding, urinary incontinence, urgency, frequency, or urinary retention, and is caused by conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves, such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or stroke

nocturia

waking up during the night to urinate, typically needing to wake more than once to void, which interrupts sleep. While some definitions consider one nightly void as the threshold, a more clinically relevant definition often uses two or more nocturnal voids per night. Nursing care involves identifying potential causes like high fluid intake before bed, caffeine and alcohol use, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions, and the negative impact it has on a patient's quality of life due to sleep disruption. 

oliguria

A decreased urine output, typically less than 400 mL per day or 20 mL per hour in an adult, is a key sign of impaired kidney function. It requires careful monitoring of fluid balance, as it can indicate serious issues like severe dehydration or a worsening acute kidney injury.

polyuria

the production of abnormally large volumes of urine, typically more than 3 liters per day in adults. This condition is characterized by a high urine output, and nurses often assess it to identify potential underlying causes like diabetes, kidney issues, or certain medications.

polydipsia

excessive thirst that leads to the abnormal and excessive drinking of fluids. It is a common symptom of underlying conditions like diabetes, where high blood sugar causes increased urination leading the body to seek more fluids to rehydrate. It can also result from other causes such as certain medications, diarrhea, or psychological disorders. 

postvoid residual

the amount of urine left in the bladder immediately after a patient voids. It's a key metric for evaluating bladder emptying, often measured with a bladder scanner or catheterization, and is used to diagnose issues like urinary retention, incomplete emptying, or urinary tract infections (UTIs). Elevated PVR can result from factors such as pregnancy, epidural use, or certain neurological conditions. 

stress incontinence

the involuntary leakage of urine that occurs due to physical movements or activities that put pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting. It happens when the pelvic floor muscles and sphincter muscles that support the urethra become weakened, failing to hold back urine during exertion; causes include pregnancy and childbirth, aging, chronic conditions, pelvic surgery, and hormonal changes

suprapubic catheter

a tube that drains urine from the bladder through a small incision in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone; often used for long-term urinary drainage when the urethra is obstructed or can’t be used such as in cases of spinal cord injury, severe incontinence, or after prostate surgery

urinary frequency

needing to urinate more often than is considered typical for an individual's age and lifestyle, often exceeding the upper limit of 4–8 times per 24 hours. It is a symptom that indicates an underlying issue, such as a bladder infection, pregnancy, or nerve damage, and is often accompanied by urgency, or a sudden, strong need to urinate

urinary hesitancy

the difficulty a person has in initiating or starting a urine stream, characterized by a delay in the start of urination. It is a symptom of a potential urinary tract issue and is often accompanied by a weak or interrupted stream, a feeling of incomplete emptying, or straining to urinate. It can be a sign of conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or other bladder outlet obstructions. 

urinary urgency

a sudden, strong, and compelling need to urinate that is difficult to postpone. It can be a symptom of conditions like overactive bladder or a urinary tract infection.

urinary retention

the inability to completely empty the bladder, which can be either an acute condition that develops suddenly or a chronic condition that happens over time. It is caused by either a blockage in the urinary tract or a problem with the nerves or muscles that control urination. Symptoms include the feeling of a full bladder, difficulty starting a stream, frequent urination in small amounts, or leakage. 

cathartics

substances that stimulate the evacuation of the bowels to treat constipation, prepare for procedures like colonoscopies, or cleanse the intestines; examples include laxatives like magnesium citrate; accelerates defecation

carminatives

an agent or substance (often a herb or a preparation from herbs like peppermint, cinnamon, garlic, ginger) that helps to prevent the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract or aids in its expulsion; helps relieve symptoms associated with excess gas such as flatulence, bloating, indigestion and general digestive discomfort, intestinal cramps

colostomy

a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdomen to connect the colon to the outside of the body, allowing stool and gas to be collected in a pouch instead of passing through the anus. It is used when the colon needs to rest and heal, often due to surgery or injury, and can be temporary or permanent.

constipation

a constellation of symptoms characterized by a decrease in the normal frequency of bowel movements, accompanied by difficult or incomplete passage of stool, and/or the passage of excessively hard, dry stool; symptoms include hard stools, straining, pain during defecation, and a feeling of incomplete emptying

defecation

the process of a patient expelling solid waste (feces) from the body through the anus.

diarrhea

the frequent passing of loose, watery stools (three or more per day) that results from an imbalance in the intestinal processes of absorbing water and electrolytes.

effluent

any liquid that flows out of the body or a medical device, such as bodily fluids, wound drainage, or discharged fluid from a treatment process like peritoneal dialysis. It can describe waste from a medical facility or represent the fluid that is being expelled or drained from a patient, and its color, consistency, and content can provide important clinical information. 

enema

a medical procedure that involves introducing a solution into the rectum through a tube. The solution is typically retained for a period of time before being expelled, which helps to cleanse the colon and relieve constipation; also used to prepare the bowel for surgery or colonoscopy

fecal impaction

a critical condition where a large mass of dry, hard stool becomes lodged in the colon or rectum, preventing any further bowel movements; beyond simple constipation

flatus

gas in or from the stomach or intestines (digestive tract), produced by swallowing air or by bacterial fermentation 

gastrocolic reflex

the normal, physiological response where the colon increases its motility (movement/contractions) after food enters the stomach. This automatic reflex helps move existing waste content through the digestive tract to make room for new food intake, often resulting in an urge to defecate. 

jejunostomy

a surgically created opening (stoma) through the abdominal wall into the jejunum (the middle part of the small intestine). This opening is used for the placement of a feeding tube, known as a jejunostomy tube or J-tube, to deliver nutrition, fluids, and medications directly into the small intestine, bypassing the stomach. 

ileostomy

a surgically created opening (stoma) on the abdomen that connects the last part of the small intestine (ileum) to the outside of the body. This procedure allows stool and gas to leave the body, bypassing the large intestine and rectum. 

hemorrhoids

a common anorectal disorder involving swollen and inflamed veins around the anus or in the lower rectum, often caused by increased pressure from straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, or prolonged sitting

laxatives

medications or substances used to treat constipation by promoting a bowel movement; soften stools, increase bulk, lubricate intestinal walls, or stimulate intestinal muscles to contract

peristalsis

The involuntary, rhythmic contraction and relaxation of muscles in the gastrointestinal and other tubular organs that propel contents forward; monitored by listening for bowel sounds

stoma

an artificial opening created surgically in the body to allow for the removal of waste products (urine or stool) from the body; can be temporary or permanent; types: ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy