Elimination and Urinary Management in Nursing Care

This collection of flashcards covers essential information about elimination and urinary management in nursing care, focusing on various procedures, definitions, and nursing responsibilities.

What is urinary retention?

The inability to partially or totally empty the bladder.

What can happen if the bladder does not empty?

It can be damaged or even rupture.

List one problem that can result in urinary retention.

The body does not send messages to the brain.

How often should residents be assisted with toileting needs?

Every 2 hours, and more frequently when requested.

What does independent assistance mean?

Residents may only need reminders or supplies.

What should you check when assisting with a resident's elimination needs?

Check the integrity of the skin of the peri-area.

What is the role of urine in the kidneys?

Urine is formed in the kidneys.

What happens when the bladder is full?

Nerves in the bladder send a signal to the brain that it is time to void.

What is defined as constipation?

Straining to have a bowel movement and having infrequent bowel movements.

What is the Bristol Stool Form Scale used for?

To chart the consistency of stool.

Name one type of stool on the Bristol Stool Form Scale.

Type 1: Separate hard lumps.

What is incontinence?

The involuntary leakage of urine or passing of feces.

What should be done for an incontinent resident every 2 hours?

Toileting, changing the incontinence garment, cleansing the area, and applying barrier cream.

What should you do if a resident has not had a bowel movement for 4 days?

Insert a suppository.

What is a suppository?

A wax cone that is inserted directly into the rectum to help with bowel movement.

What can happen if the resident has not had a bowel movement for 5 days?

An enema is then administered.

What is an enema?

An injection of fluid into the rectum to help with bowel movements.

When should a resident lie down during an enema?

On their left side.

What should be reported to the nurse regarding bowel movements?

If a resident has not had a bowel movement for 3 days.

What is the main role of barrier cream for incontinent residents?

To protect the skin from breakdown.

What is a colostomy?

An ostomy made from the large intestine.

What is a urostomy?

A surgical procedure where the ureters are detached from the bladder and attached to a segment of bowel.

How should the stoma appear?

It should be pink or red in color and moist.

What signifies an abnormal stoma?

Signs such as bleeding, shrinking, or turning a color other than pink or red.

What should be done with a full ostomy bag?

It should be emptied when it is one-third to one-half full.

What should the nursing assistant do with the ostomy bag after cleaning?

Rinse out the bag if it is reusable and dry it before reattaching.

What are bedpans used for?

For residents who are bed-bound or cannot sit up on a toilet.

What type of bedpan is most commonly used?

Fracture pans, as they are smaller and more comfortable.

What should you do with a commode bucket after use?

Empty the contents into the toilet, rinse, and clean it.

Why should urine collection systems be well-maintained?

To reduce the risk of infection.

What should be assessed regularly in residents with urinary management systems?

Skin integrity and signs of infection.

What should nursing assistants monitor after allowing a resident to use a toilet?

To document any bowel movement.

What is important to remember about open areas on the skin when using external catheters?

Do not use if there are open areas, breakdown, or irritation.

What is the role of a bladder scanner?

To determine how much urine is in the bladder without being invasive.

What indicates digestive tract bleeding?

Black, tarry stools if it occurs in the upper part, and frank red blood from lower bleeding.

What are hemorrhoids?

Large, distended veins found around and in the anus, often resulting from constipation.

What patient symptom should be reported immediately?

A large amount of frank blood in the toilet.

What should the nursing assistant do if a resident shows signs of bleeding?

Report immediately to the nurse.

What is the purpose of a commode hat?

To collect urine and/or stool for measurement.

What is the role of a urinal?

It is used to collect urine.

What should be done to prevent irritation when using a urinal?

Wrap the urinal rim with a washcloth.

What is essential to teach residents about urinals?

To not place them on clean surfaces like the overbed table.

What are the two signs of blood in stool?

Occult blood (hidden) and frank blood (red, obvious).

What is the nursing assistant's responsibility regarding ostomy care?

To empty and clean the ostomy bag.

What can happen if there is a significant amount of water in the stoma bag?

It should be emptied regularly to prevent overflow.

What is the significance of monitoring stoma color?

Changes can indicate infection or complications.

What can help a resident with cognitive deficits to void?

Running the faucet to encourage voiding.

What aids in the measurement of urine output?

Using a commode hat or urinal.

What should the nursing assistant do if the resident has increased urine production?

Document the amount and report to the nurse.

What kind of cream is applied to perianal areas after peri-care for incontinent residents?

Barrier cream.

What is one preventive measure against CAUTI?

Using bladder scanners to help manage urinary retention.

What can a sitz bath help relieve?

Pain and swelling associated with hemorrhoids.

What should be done if a resident is having difficulties with bowel movements?

Report to the nurse for potential intervention.

What to do with a commode after a resident uses it?

Clean and disinfect it.

What is the recommended way to assertively support residents with elimination needs?

Assist them every 2 hours or as needed.

What type of routine is important for residents regarding bowel health?

Maintaining regular bowel movements.

Why is knowing the bowel movement frequency important in resident care?

To identify potential constipation or diarrhea.

What should caregivers do if a resident with dementia refuses to use the toilet?

Gently encourage and provide support.

What should be avoided when collecting samples with a commode hat?

Do not place toilet paper inside to prevent skewed measurements.

What is a critical response time when assessing a resident with potential rectal bleeding?

Immediate reporting to the nurse for possible medical emergencies.

What is the correct way to measure urine with a commode hat?

Place in the front for urine measurement.

Describe the appropriate action toward residents who may be visually impaired or non-verbal during elimination.

Provide clear communication and assistance.

What should be done if an external female urine management system becomes soiled?

Remove and complete peri-care before placing a new system.

State the sequence of actions for using a urinal.

Place under resident, allow use, measure if necessary, empty and clean.

How should linens be changed if a resident is incontinent?

Change promptly to maintain hygiene and comfort.

What is necessary for all elimination aids to prevent infections?

Regular cleaning and proper maintenance.

What observation is needed for residents post-ostomy procedure?

Monitor stoma appearance and functioning.

What step is crucial before placing an external catheter?

Assess skin condition and integrity.

What does it mean if the nurse observes hidden blood in resident stools?

It can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.

What action is essential for a resident who might be bound?

Provide assistance every 2 hours for toileting.

What should be documented after assisting a resident with an ostomy?

Chart the emptying of the ostomy bag.