Contents
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
The nursing diagnosis for urinary retention is defined by NANDA International as "an inability to empty the bladder completely." This diagnosis is established when a patient encounters challenges in fully emptying their bladder, leading to discomfort, pain, and potential complications if not addressed. Understanding and recognizing this diagnosis is crucial for nurses to provide appropriate care and management for patients experiencing urinary retention.
Defining Characteristics
- Subjective: Patient reports difficulty emptying their bladder, feeling of fullness or discomfort in the lower abdomen, and difficulty starting or stopping urination.
- Objective: Presence of urinary retention as evidenced by a full or distended bladder, inability to void, and increased post-void residual urine volume.
- Neurological disorders such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis: Conditions affecting nerve function contributing to urinary retention.
- Prostate problems such as enlargement or cancer: Issues with the prostate gland impacting urinary elimination.
- Medications such as anticholinergics and alpha-blockers: Pharmaceutical agents influencing bladder function.
- Obstruction of the urinary tract from tumors, stones, or strictures: Physical blockages hindering normal urine flow.
Risk Population
- Men over the age of 50: Age-related factors contributing to an increased risk of urinary retention.
- Patients with neurological disorders: Individuals with conditions affecting the nervous system.
- Patients with prostate problems: Those experiencing issues with the prostate gland.
- Patients taking certain medications: Individuals using drugs that may impact bladder function.
Associated Problems
- Bladder infections: Infections affecting the urinary system due to incomplete bladder emptying.
- Kidney damage: Potential harm to the kidneys resulting from urinary retention.
- Bladder or kidney stones: Formation of stones due to incomplete bladder emptying.
- Damage to the bladder or urethra: Structural harm to the urinary system.
Suggestions for Use
- Patients should be assessed for urinary retention when they present with symptoms such as difficulty starting or stopping urination, feeling of fullness or discomfort in the lower abdomen, and difficulty emptying the bladder: Conduct a thorough evaluation of symptoms to identify potential urinary retention.
- Patients should be assessed for any underlying causes of urinary retention such as neurological disorders, prostate problems, or medications that may be causing the problem: Investigate contributing factors to urinary retention for appropriate management.
- Patients should be educated on the importance of seeking medical attention if they experience symptoms of urinary retention, as well as the potential complications of the condition if left untreated: Provide education on recognizing symptoms and the significance of prompt medical attention.
Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnoses
- Urinary Elimination: Constipation: Difficulty in bowel movements affecting urinary patterns.
- Urinary Elimination: Ineffective: Challenges in the effective elimination of urine.
- Risk for Urinary Tract Infection: Increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections.
Usage Tips
- It is important to differentiate between urinary retention and other types of urinary problems such as incontinence or frequency: Accurate assessment and diagnosis are essential for effective management.
- Patients should be assessed for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to their urinary retention, such as prostate problems or neurological disorders: Thorough evaluation of contributing factors for targeted intervention.
- Patients should be educated on the importance of seeking medical attention if they experience symptoms of urinary retention and the potential complications of the condition if left untreated: Reinforce the significance of timely medical intervention.
- Patients should be closely monitored for any changes in their symptoms and for any complications that may arise from urinary retention: Continuous assessment for dynamic care planning.
NOC Results
- Urinary Elimination: Continuous monitoring of the patient's ability to empty their bladder completely and regularly.
- Bladder Control: The patient's ability to control their urinary function.
- Comfort Level: The patient's level of discomfort or pain related to urinary retention.
NIC Interventions
- Bladder Training: Teaching the patient techniques to help improve their ability to empty their bladder completely.
- Medication Management: Administering medications as prescribed to help improve bladder function and relieve symptoms of urinary retention.
- Catheterization: Inserting a catheter to empty the bladder if the patient is unable to do so on their own.
- Referral to Specialists: Referring the patient to a urologist or other specialist for further evaluation and treatment of underlying conditions contributing to urinary retention.
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