Nursing care plan for urinary retention

Nursing care plan for urinary retention

Nursing, often referred to as a calling, is a full-time profession that entails the compassionate care of patients’ well-being. Nurses provide vital support to patients and develop tailored care plans for individuals with various medical conditions.

Urinary retention is a medical condition characterized by the inability to completely empty the bladder during urination. In this discussion, we will explore the causes of urinary retention, its different types, and the nursing care plan designed to address this condition.

What is urinary retention?

As previously mentioned, urinary retention involves the inability to fully empty the bladder. It can result from various causes that require diagnosis by a medical professional, leading to the formulation of an appropriate nursing care plan based on the severity of the condition.

Urinary retention can stem from a variety of circumstances and scenarios. It is crucial to emphasize that any abnormalities during urination should prompt immediate medical attention.

The urinary system comprises several key organs and components, including:

– Urethra: This tube transports urine from the urinary tract to the outside of the body.

– Internal sphincter: Also known as the bladder outlet, it controls the release of urine.

– External sphincter: Located outside the urethra, it contains voluntary muscle control that regulates the passage of urine.

– Prostate (only in men): This organ is part of the urinary system and is closely related to the urinary tract.

With an understanding of the urinary system, let’s examine the process of urination.

Urination, or micturition, initiates in the brain, which is the central nervous system, just like any other bodily process. To initiate urination, the brain sends signals to the sphincters, causing them to gradually relax. As a result, the bladder contracts, pushing urine through the urethra and out of the body.

There are numerous potential causes of urinary retention in both men and women. Some common causes include:

1. Obstruction:

Obstruction occurs when foreign objects block the urinary pathway. This can lead to chronic urinary retention as swelling occurs over time, allowing only a small amount of urine to be released. Possible causes of obstruction include a swollen urethra, constricted urethra, constipation, kidney stones, or a urethral clot.

2. Medications:

Certain medications can weaken muscles and affect the urinary system. These medications may include pain relievers, drugs for Parkinson’s disease, morphine, and antipsychotic drugs, among others.

3. Nerve problems:

Disruption or damage to the normal flow of nerves can lead to urinary retention. In such cases, the brain cannot receive proper signals from other parts of the body, resulting in loss of control. Conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, complications of diabetes, spinal or brain injuries, and Parkinson’s disease are among the factors that can lead to nerve-related urinary retention.

Nursing care plan for urinary retention evaluation

When a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of urinary retention, a thorough evaluation is essential to determine whether it is acute or chronic. Medical professionals may order urodynamic tests to assess the extent of retention. Uroflowmetry, for example, measures the volume and speed of urine release from the body.

Analyzing the pressure at which urine is expelled assists healthcare providers and nursing staff in formulating an appropriate nursing care plan. This evaluation phase allows nurses to determine whether the patient’s condition is acute or chronic urinary retention.

Nursing interventions during the evaluation and treatment of urinary retention may include:

1. Encouraging frequent urination:

Frequent urination helps protect the affected area from further infection.

2. Bladder scan:

A bladder scan may be performed before or after treatment to assess bladder capacity and any remaining urine.

3. Abdominal assessment:

Nurses also assess the abdomen, feeling for bladder palpitations and tenderness to gain insight into the patient’s urination pattern.

Nursing care plan for acute urinary retention

Following diagnosis, healthcare professionals determine whether urinary retention is acute or chronic, as each condition requires distinct treatment and care plans.

Acute urinary retention occurs suddenly and is characterized by an inability to urinate, leading to pain and discomfort. Men are more prone to acute urinary retention due to the possibility of an enlarged prostate. Nursing care plans for urinary retention differ for men and women.

Patients with acute urinary retention may sometimes pass small amounts of urine amidst discomfort. Nursing care plans for acute urinary retention may involve:

1. Providing a list of activities or triggers to avoid: Patients are advised to avoid activities known to exacerbate symptoms, as this helps relax urinary tract muscles controlled by the central nervous system.

2. Administration of medication: Post-hospitalization, patients may receive medications along with instructions for use. Family members are educated about medication administration, with drugs aimed at healing and preventing further infections in the affected area while maintaining proper bladder function.
Nursing care plan for urinary retention after surgery

GCU RN-to-BSN Domains & Competencies and NRS-493 Individual Success Plan

Surgery is one of the treatment options for acute or chronic urinary retention. Nursing care plans for patients after surgery may involve:

1. Catheter insertion:

Catheterization may be necessary for some time following surgery. Nurses educate the patient’s family on catheter care, including cleanliness and proper changing procedures.

2. Catheter care:

Family members are informed about the purpose of the catheter, its care, checking its position, and ensuring its proper placement.

3. Providing appropriate catheter care when needed:

To prevent potential infections at the surgical site, meticulous care is required when catheters are involved. Nursing care plans for urinary retention after surgery demand extra attention due to the heightened risk of infections.

Nursing care plan risk for urinary retention

In the midst of nursing care plans for urinary retention, several risks can emerge, including:

1. Additional morbidity: Some care plans have led to increased morbidity, causing harm to patients.

2. Infection due to catheterization: Catheterization should only be considered when absolutely necessary, as urethral catheterization can result in urinary tract infections and necessitate additional surgical interventions.

3. Effects of anesthesia: The type of anesthesia used can have lasting effects, causing pain and discomfort even after surgery, particularly when analgesics and opiates are employed.

In summary

A nursing care plan for urinary retention outlines the specific care procedures nurses administer to patients with urinary retention complications. These care plans vary depending on whether the condition is chronic or acute. The ultimate goal of these care plans, prescribed after diagnosis, is to facilitate the patient’s recovery and restore normal urination patterns. If you are seeking a nursing care plan for urinary retention, feel free to contact us at onlinenursepapers.com, where we can assist you with your nursing papers.