Structures of the Urinary System
Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder, Urethra.
Functional Unit of the Kidney
Nephron.
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Structures of the Urinary System
Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder, Urethra.
Functional Unit of the Kidney
Nephron.
Primary Functions of the Urinary System
Filtration of blood, Elimination of waste via micturition, Regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance.
Bladder Capacity
Approximately 800 mL.
Muscle Responsible for Bladder Contraction
Detrusor muscle.
Sphincters Controlling Urine Release
Internal urethral sphincter and external urethral sphincter.
Trigger for Micturition Reflex
Bladder fills to ~200 mL.
System Controlling Bladder Emptying
Autonomic nervous system.
Why Females are More Prone to UTIs
Shorter urethra allows easier bacterial access.
Why Males Expel Bacteria More Easily
Longer urethra.
Key Urinary Assessment Questions
Changes in urination, pain, history of UTIs or stones, incontinence, pain during or after intercourse.
Cloudy Urine Suggests
Infection or presence of sediment.
Strong Urine Odor Suggests
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
Normal Urinary Output Per Hour
30 mL/hr.
Minimum 24-Hour Urine Output
720 mL.
Decreased Output Despite Normal Intake
Obstruction, kidney dysfunction, fluid loss.
Polyuria Definition
Excessive urine output.
Oliguria Definition
Decreased urine output.
Anuria Definition
Absence of urine production (<50 mL/24 hrs).
Urgency Definition
Sudden, compelling urge to void.
Frequency Definition
Frequent urination without increased total output.
Nocturia Definition
Waking at night to urinate.
Hematuria Definition
Blood in urine.
Microscopic vs Gross Hematuria
Microscopic: seen under microscope. Gross: visible to naked eye.
Pyuria Definition
Presence of pus in urine.
Urinary Retention Definition
Inability to fully empty the bladder.
Enuresis Definition
Bedwetting.
How Sodium Affects Urine Output
High sodium causes water retention, reducing urine output.
Effect of Purines on Urinary Health
these foods increase risk for kidney stones.
Mobility and Urination
Limited mobility can prevent access to toilet.
Neurologic Injury and Urination
May cause retention or incontinence due to sensation or control loss.
Why Pregnant Women Urinate More
Hormones, blood volume, and fetal bladder pressure.
Diuretics Effect on Urination
Increase urine output.
Cholinergic Medications and the Bladder
Stimulate detrusor muscle, promote urination.
CNS Depressants Effect on Urination
Reduce bladder responsiveness to signals.
Stress Incontinence Definition
Leakage during increased abdominal pressure.
Urge Incontinence Definition
Sudden urge followed by involuntary urine loss.
Functional Incontinence
Loss of urine due to physical or environmental barriers.
Total Incontinence
Continuous, unpredictable urine loss.
Purpose of Kegel Exercises
Strengthen pelvic floor muscles to manage incontinence.
Kegel Exercise Routine
Contract 5-10 sec, release, repeat 10 times daily.
Purpose of Urinalysis
Assesses pH, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bacteria, specific gravity.
Normal Specific Gravity Range
1.010-1.025.
High Specific Gravity Indicates
Concentrated urine (possible dehydration).
Low Specific Gravity Suggests
Diluted urine (overhydration or renal impairment).
Purpose of 24-Hour Urine Collection
Evaluate kidney excretion of waste and protein.
Kidney Function Blood Tests
BUN and Creatinine.
Purpose of Bladder Scan
Assess bladder volume and retention.
Purpose of Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
Detect structural abnormalities using dye.
Purpose of Cystoscopy
Direct visualization of bladder interior.
When to Use Clean Catch Sample
For urinalysis and cultures.
Sterile Urine Sample Use
For culture and sensitivity tests.
Where to Collect Urine from a Catheter
From the sampling port, not the bag.
Difference: Intermittent vs Indwelling Catheter
Intermittent: temporary. Indwelling: long-term with balloon.
Suprapubic Catheter
Surgically inserted through abdominal wall into bladder.
Coudé Catheter Use
Easier insertion in patients with enlarged prostate.
How Often to Empty Catheter Bag
Every 8 hours or when full.
Why Keep Drainage Bag Below Bladder
Prevent backflow and infection.
French Scale Measures
Catheter size (larger number = larger diameter).
Typical Adult Catheter Size
14-18 French.
Sterile Field Boundary
1-inch margin is considered non-sterile.
Unattended Sterile Field
Considered contaminated.
Where to Touch Sterile Packages
Only the outside and 1-inch margin.
Which Hand Becomes Non-Sterile First
The hand that touches the patient.
Female Catheter Insertion: Swabs
3 swabs: one per labia minora, one urethra.
Male Catheter Insertion: Cleaning
Outward circular motion, new swab each time.
How Far to Advance Catheter After Urine
2 more inches.
3 Ways to Prevent CAUTI
Limit catheter use, sterile insertion, daily peri care.
Should Antiseptics Be Used for Daily Catheter Care?
No, use regular cleaning products unless ordered.
Preventing Catheter Tubing Obstruction
Avoid kinks and maintain gravity drainage.
Incontinence and Skin Integrity
Moisture can cause skin breakdown and infection risk.
Best Skin Protection from Incontinence
Keep dry, breathable pads, barrier creams.
Why Toileting is a Fall Risk
Urgency + impaired mobility = unsafe toileting.
Targeted Toileting Times
On waking, post-meals, before bed.
Fundamentals Textbook
Resource for additional IV content support.
Scrub-the-Hub Technique
Cleans IV hub to prevent contamination.
Patency Checks
Verify IV catheter functionality regularly.
Blood Return
Confirm blood flow to ensure IV patency.
Medication-Specific Requirements
Check specific protocols for IV administration.
Infusion Pump Use
Training includes operating devices for IV fluids.
Peripheral IV Therapy
Focus on equipment, not insertion techniques.
Continuous Infusions
Administer fluids consistently over time.
Intermittent Infusions
Includes secondary or piggyback IV setups.
Direct IV Administration
Also known as IV push for immediate effects.
IV Catheter Design
Flexible tube remains after needle removal.
Gauge Sizes
Smaller numbers indicate larger IV catheter diameters.
Color Codes for Gauges
Light blue for 22 gauge, orange for 14 gauge.
Extension Tubing
Connects catheter to IV equipment, 3-4 inches long.
Needleless System
Prevents needle access, enhancing safety.
Priming Tubing
Filling tubing with fluid to remove air.
Clamp Types
Control flow in IV tubing: pinch, slide, roller.
No-Touch Technique
Avoid touching sanitized parts to maintain sterility.
Needleless Connectors
Protect unused IV connectors from contamination.
IV Catheter Assessment
Includes checking placement and visibility during exams.
Transparent Film Dressings
Allow visualization of IV insertion sites.
Transparent film dressings
Allow visualization of IV insertion site.
IV site assessment
Check for redness, swelling, pain, or leakage.
Coban Wrap
Prevents dislodgement during patient movement.
Assessment frequency
Minimum every four hours for continuous infusions.
IV patency
Confirmed once per shift and before use.