Ch15 - Urinary System Flashcards
Urinary system
Two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra
Functions of the urinary system
Eliminates waste products created by the cells
Maintains the water balance in the body
Normal changes of aging to the urinary system
Decreased ability of kidneys to filter blood
Weakened bladder muscle tone
Bladder holds less urine, causing more frequent urination
Bladder may not empty completely, causing greater risk of infection
Urinary incontinence
Inability to control the bladder, which leads to an involuntary loss/leakage of urine
Not a normal change of aging!
Treatments for urinary incontinence
Adjustments to fluid intake
Antidepressent duloxetine (Cymbalta) may help relieve incontinence
Urinary antispasmodic agents reduce bladder spasms
Female residents: exercises to strengthen pelvic floor; estrogen may be administrated by vaginal suppository to strengthen tissues supporting bladder and urethra
Urinary retention
A condition in which the bladder is not fully emptied during urination
Urinary obstruction
A partial or complete blockage of urine
Treatments for urinary retention and obstruction
Alpha-blocking agents (more drugs for use in males than in females) relax bladder and/or prostate muscles
Cholinergic agents increase contraction of bladder muscle to help empty the bladder
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
A bacterial infection of the urethra, bladder, ureter, or kidney that results in painful burning during urination and the frequent feeling of needing to urinate
Females are at greater risk than male residents due to shorter urethra and closeness to vagina and anus (sources of bacteria)
Catheter use and urinary incontinence cause elevated risk of UTI
Treatments for UTI
Antibiotics (type depends on location/severity) kill bacteria causing the infection
Analgesic phenazopyridine may help relieve pain/burning sensation during urination but will not cure UTI
Chronic renal failure
A condition that occurs when the kidneys cannot eliminate certain waste products from the body, also called chronic kidney failure
Dialysis
An artificial means of removing the body’s waste products when the kidneys are no longer able to function properly
Fluid balance
Taking in and eliminating equal amounts of fluid
Treatments for chronic renal failure
Dialysis and fluid restrictions
ACE inhibitors help control high blood pressure
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) help control high blood pressure
Statins reduce fats in the bloodstream
Treatments for fluid imbalance
Diuretics can help reduce fluid in the body and relieve edema (swelling caused by excess fluid)
IV fluids can help increase fluid in the body for residents with severe dehydration
