3 Flashcards
What are the main functions of the urinary system?
To remove waste products from the blood and to maintain water balance within the body
The urinary system plays a crucial role in homeostasis by regulating the composition and volume of body fluids.
What organs are included in the urinary system?
- Kidneys: Filter blood to remove waste and extra water, forming urine.
- Ureters: Tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
- Bladder: Stores urine until it is ready to be excreted.
- Urethra: The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
Each organ has a specific role in the filtration and excretion process.
What occurs in the nephron during filtration?
Blood enters the nephron, and waste, along with water and small molecules, is filtered out in a structure called the glomerulus.
The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, essential for urine formation.
What is reabsorption in the nephron?
Useful substances like water, glucose, and certain ions are reabsorbed back into the blood as the filtrate moves through the tubules.
This process ensures that essential nutrients are not lost in urine.
What is secretion in the nephron?
Additional waste products and excess ions are added to the filtrate from the blood in the tubules, helping to balance body chemicals and form urine.
Secretion is crucial for regulating electrolyte levels and removing toxins.
What are characteristics of normal urine?
- Clean
- Pale yellow, amber, or straw colored
- Very little or no odor
- Average output of urine is 1500ml per 24hrs
These characteristics can vary based on hydration levels and diet.
What is urinary retention?
Difficulty emptying the bladder completely, leading to a buildup of urine.
This condition can result from various factors, including immobility.
What increased risks are associated with immobility in the urinary system?
- Increased Risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Kidney Stones
- Incontinence
- Reduced Kidney Function
Immobility can negatively affect urinary health due to stagnant urine and reduced muscle tone.
What are the types of incontinence?
- Stress incontinence: the leaking of urine during exercise and certain movements
- Urge incontinence: the loss of urine in response to sudden, urgent need to void
- Overflow incontinence: the leaking of urine when the bladder is too full
- Functional incontinence: the loss of urine that occurs when the client has bladder control but cannot get to the toilet in time
- Reflex incontinence: the loss of urine at predictable intervals
Each type of incontinence has distinct causes and management strategies.
What are the emotional impacts of incontinence on a person?
Causes embarrassment, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
The psychological effects can significantly affect social interactions and overall mental health.
Fill in the blank: The average output of urine is _______.
30ml per hour/ 1500ml per 24hrs
This average can vary based on fluid intake, activity level, and health status.
What are some physical issues caused by incontinence?
- Skin irritation
- Infections
- Sores from prolonged exposure to urine
These complications can lead to further health issues if not managed properly.
True or False: Prolonged immobility can slow down kidney filtration and waste removal.
True
Reduced kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body.
What social effects can incontinence have on a person?
People may avoid social activities due to fear of accidents.
This can lead to isolation and decreased quality of life.
What is the average color of normal urine?
Pale yellow, amber, or straw colored
Color can indicate hydration levels and potential health issues.
What is the role of the bladder in the urinary system?
Stores urine until it is ready to be excreted.
The bladder’s ability to stretch allows for temporary storage of urine.
How do you minimize incontinence and care for a client with incontinence?
Regular toileting should be scheduled before meals, after meals, before activities, after activities, in the morning, and before sleep.
What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
Symptoms of UTI include frequency, urgency, oliguria, dysuria, hematuria, pyuria, fever & chills, and strong, foul-smelling urine.
What are the prevention methods for UTI?
Prevention of UTI includes avoiding causes (e.g. good technique with peri-care), making toileting comfortable both physically and psychologically, and establishing a toilet schedule acceptable to the client.
What is the main purpose of the endocrine system?
The main purpose of the endocrine system is to produce and release hormones.
What are endocrine glands and their function?
Endocrine glands are specialized organs that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream.
What does the pituitary gland do?
The pituitary gland produces hormones that regulate many of the other endocrine glands.
What does the hypothalamus do?
The hypothalamus makes hormones that control the pituitary gland and produces hormones stored in the pituitary gland.
What does the thyroid gland produce?
The thyroid produces thyroxine, which regulates metabolism.
What is the function of the parathyroid glands?
The parathyroid glands release parathyroid hormone, which regulates the level of calcium in the blood.
What do the adrenal glands release?
The adrenal glands release epinephrine and norepinephrine, which help the body deal with stress.
What does the pancreas produce?
The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, which regulate the level of glucose in the blood.
What do the testes produce?
The testes produce testosterone, which is responsible for sperm production and the development of male secondary sex characteristics.
What do the ovaries produce?
The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is required for the development of secondary sex characteristics and for the development of eggs. Progesterone prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg.
Why is the pituitary gland called the master gland?
The pituitary gland is called the ‘master gland’ because it controls other glands in the body by releasing hormones.
What are the two parts of the pituitary gland?
The two parts are the Anterior Pituitary and the Posterior Pituitary.