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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
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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.
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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.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.