Altered Urinary and Bowel Elimination

Vocabulary and key concepts regarding the pathophysiology, characteristics, and manifestations of altered urinary and bowel elimination.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney, consisting of the glomerulus, proximal tubule, Loop of Henle, distal tubule, and collecting duct.

Renal circulation rate

The kidneys process $20\% \text{ to } 25\%$ of cardiac output, which is approximately $1,000\,mL\text{ blood/min}$.

Reabsorption

The transport of substances from the urinary filtrate back into the circulation.

Secretion

The transport of substances from the circulation into the urinary filtrate.

Detrusor muscle

The bladder muscle that contracts via parasympathetic cholinergic motor fibers to facilitate urination.

Micturition

The process of emptying the bladder resulting from the relaxation of internal and external urethral sphincters.

Urine Volume (Normal)

A total volume of $750 \text{ to } 2,000\,mL/day$ is considered normal for urine production.

Hydronephrosis

A condition characterized by the distention of the renal pelvis and calyces, often caused by a blockage in the normal flow of urine.

Urolithiasis

The development of renal calculi, commonly known as kidney stones, within the renal system.

Colic pain

Acute, intermittent, radiating, and excruciating pain caused by the distention of the collecting system or ureter.

Enuresis

The inability to voluntarily prevent the discharge of urine.

Stress incontinence

Urinary leakage caused by exertional stimulus or increased abdominal pressure, often due to weak pelvic floor muscles.

Urge incontinence

Also known as overactive bladder, it is caused by the overactivity of the detrusor muscle.

Overflow incontinence

Incontinence that occurs when urine volume exceeds the bladder capacity, often due to a blockage of the urethra.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

A condition involving the growth of fluid-filled cysts bilaterally in the kidneys, which replaces functional tissue and reduces perfusion.

Stercobilin

A bile pigment that gives stool its characteristic brown color.

Diverticulum

A small sac or outpouching along the wall of the colon caused by prolonged pressure and wall weakness.

Diverticulitis

A complication of diverticulosis where the diverticula become infected due to trapped fecal matter.

Functional Fecal Incontinence

The repetitive voluntary or involuntary passage of stool in inappropriate places in children aged $4$ years or older.

Retentive incontinence

A form of functional fecal incontinence where a child withholds feces due to pain or fear of defecation.

Colon Cancer Risk Factor

The primary risk factor is age, with $90\%$ of cases occurring in individuals over $50$ years old.

Melena

Dark, tarry stool that indicates the presence of blood from the gastrointestinal tract.