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Urinary System

Unit 11 Lesson 6

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COPYRIGHT

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  • Explain the function of the urinary system
  • Describe care interventions for clients experiencing urinary problems
  • Identify specific urinary signs and symptoms that are reported to the nurse

Student Learning Outcomes

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Components of the Urinary System

  • Kidneys
    • Filter blood
    • Produce urine
  • Ureters
    • Transport urine to bladder
  • Bladder
    • Stores urine
  • Urethra
    • Releases urine from body

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Functions of the Urinary System

  • Waste Elimination
    • Filters out toxins
  • pH Regulation
    • Maintains acid-base balance
  • Blood Pressure
    • Works with cardiovascular system

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Functions of the Urinary System continued…

  • Reproductive Role
    • Prostate function in males
  • Red Blood Cell Production
    • Hormonal stimulation
  • Vitamin D Synthesis
    • Supports bone health

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Urine Formation and Elimination

  • Urine Production
    • Continuous filtration by kidneys
    • Formation of urine from filtrate
  • Urine Pathway
    • Kidneys → Ureters → Bladder: Storage
    • Bladder
      • Signals brain when full (~300 mL)
    • Urethra
      • Releases urine when appropriate

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Characteristics of Urine

  • Variable Composition
    • Influenced by
      • Hydration
      • Exercise
      • Diet
  • Indicators of Hydration
    • Color and Odor
      • Rough hydration estimate
    • Darker Urine
      • Indicates dehydration, especially post-exercise

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Characteristics of Urine continued…

  • Normal Urine Output
    • 1-2 Liters/Day
      • Typical adult range
    • Minimum 500 mL/Day
      • Essential for waste elimination

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Urine Color Related to Hydration Status

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

Which of the following urine characteristics should be documented and reported to the nurse as it might indicate an issue with hydration or kidney function?

​

A) Clear and pale yellow urine after outdoor exercise.

B) Dark amber urine with a strong odor.

C) Light yellow urine with no odor.

D) Slightly cloudy urine with a mild odor.

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Urinary System Disorders

  • Incontinence
    • Lack of control over urination
    • Causes
      • Muscle tone loss
      • Brain-urethra disconnect

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Urinary System Disorders continued…

  • Kidney Disease
    • Life-threatening waste retention
    • Symptoms
      • Weakness
      • Edema
      • Heart arrhythmias

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Critical Thinking Question

A resident at the facility reports a sudden increase in confusion and dark, cloudy urine with a strong odor. What should the nurse’s aide do first?

​

A) Offer the resident a glass of water and encourage drinking.

B) Document the observations and inform the nurse immediately.

C) Check the resident's vital signs.

D) Assist the resident to the restroom.

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Types of Urinary Incontinence

  • Stress Incontinence
    • Occurs with
      • Coughing
      • Laughing
      • Sudden movements
  • Urge Incontinence
    • Sudden intense urge to void
  • Total Incontinence
    • Complete loss of control
    • Involuntary release

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Prostate and Urinary Health in Males

  • Prostate Enlargement
    • Aging Process
      • Common in older males
    • Blockage
      • Can obstruct urine flow
  • Interventions
    • Catheterization
      • Relieves blockage
    • Surgery
      • May be required to open urethra

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A male resident reports difficulty starting his urine stream and needing to urinate frequently in small amounts. What is the most appropriate action for a nurse’s aide?

​

A. Encourage the resident to drink more fluids.

B. Implement a toileting schedule.

C. Document and report the resident’s symptoms to the nurse.

D. Check the resident’s skin turgor.

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Care Interventions

Incontinence Management

  • Toileting Schedule
    • Regular intervals
  • Prompting
    • Void before urge
  • Check Incontinence Products
    • Every two hours

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Care Interventions continued…

UTI Management

  • Hygiene
    • Good perineal care
  • Hydration
    • Encourage fluid intake
  • Wiping Technique
    • Front to back

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Care Interventions continued…

Kidney Stone Prevention

  • Fluid Encouragement
    • Stay hydrated
  • Activity Promotion
    • As tolerated
  • Diet Adherence
    • Prevent stone formation

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Chronic Kidney Failure Management

Symptoms to Monitor

  • Puffiness around eyes
  • Urination Changes
    • Frequency and amount
  • Skin and Fatigue
    • Dryness and tiredness

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Chronic Kidney Failure Management continued…

Interventions

  • Renal Diet
    • Low sodium, potassium, protein, phosphorus
  • Fluid Restrictions
    • Comfort measures for dry mouth
  • Lifestyle Changes
    • Smoking cessation
    • Blood glucose control

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A resident with chronic kidney failure is experiencing puffiness around the eyes and reports feeling fatigued. What is the most appropriate intervention by the nurse’s aide?

​

A) Encourage the resident to increase their fluid intake.

B) Provide comfort measures for a dry mouth.

C) Suggest a high-protein diet to increase energy.

D) Encourage the resident to take long walks for exercise.

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References

Sandquist-Reuter, M. (2023). Nursing Assistant. WisTech Open. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/nurseassist/

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