Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Unit 45 Urinary System
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Objectives Spell and define terms. Review the location and function of the urinary system. List five diagnostic tests associated with conditions of the urinary system.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Objectives Describe some common diseases of the urinary system. Describe nursing assistant actions related to the care of patients with urinary system diseases and conditions.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Introduction The urinary system: –Kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra –Vital system Excretes liquid wastes Manages blood chemistry Manages fluid balance
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Common Conditions Common conditions affecting the urinary system include: –Inflammations caused by ascending or descending infections –Obstructions to the normal flow of liquids through the tube structure
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Common Conditions Some common conditions are: –Cystitis –Nephritis –Renal calculi –Hydronephrosis
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Responsibilities of the Nursing Assistant Be sure you understand the orders for each individual patient before you assist in nursing care. Orders regarding positioning, drainage, and activity for urological patients may vary.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Responsibilities of the Nursing Assistant There are some important measures that will apply to most urinary patients in your care.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Urinary Incontinence Urinary incontinence (loss of control of urination) –May be the result of one factor or a combination of factors. –It is not unusual to find more than one factor present at the same time.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Diagnostic Tests Techniques used to diagnose problems of the urinary tract include: –Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) –CAT scan –Urinalysis –Cystoscopy –Pyelogram –Blood chemistry tests
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Urinary Drainage Many patients with urinary problems will be on urinary drainage. Catheter –Urine drained from the bladder through a tube
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Catheter Care Once the Foley catheter is inserted: –Urinary meatus must be kept clean and free of secretions Area around the meatus must be washed daily with a solution approved by your facility or with soap and water.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Ambulating with a Catheter When a patient is ambulatory or using a geri-chair or wheelchair –Be careful about the placement of the urinary drainage bag Remember that the drainage bag must always be lower than the bladder –So urine cannot flow back into the bladder
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Ambulating with a Catheter The bag may be secured to the patient’s leg or clothing when the patient ambulates.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Infection Risk You must follow the procedure for disconnecting a catheter carefully. The patient who has an indwelling catheter is at risk for infection. There are several sites where infection can enter the drainage system.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Disconnecting the Catheter It is preferable to never disconnect the drainage setup –Sometimes this is necessary If sterile caps and plugs are available, they should be used –If not, the disconnected ends must be protected with sterile gauze sponges
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. External Drainage Systems (Male) External urinary drainage systems are preferred for male patients who require long periods of urinary drainage.