Urine Elimination

Question 1

Functions of the kidney

Answer 1

• remove waste products from the blood and play a major role in regulation of fluid/electrolyte balance (urine formation)
• stimulate RBC production (erythropoietin)
• blood pressure control (RAAS)
• produce prostaglandin (vasodilation)
• converts vitamin D into active form (calc + phosphate regulation)

Question 2

Function of the Ureter

Answer 2

carries urinary waste to bladder

Question 3

Function of the bladder

Answer 3

• serves as temporary reservoir for urine
• the urge to void occurs when the bladder fills to 150-250ml

Question 4

Function of the urethra

Answer 4

transport urine from bladder to exterior of body

Question 5

Gerontologic Considerations

urine elimination

Answer 5

• diminished ability of the kidney to concentrate urine
• decreased bladder muscle tone = reduced bladder capacity
• decreased bladder contractility = urine retention
• ## prescribed meds may interfere with elimination (diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers)

Question 6

Nocturia

Answer 6

the need to wake up at night to urinate

Question 7

Specific Gravity

Answer 7

a measure of the density of the urine compared with the density of water

Question 8

Hematuria

Answer 8

blood in the urine

Question 9

Dysuria

Answer 9

painful or difficult urination

Question 10

oliguria

Answer 10

24hr urine output is less than 400ml

Question 11

polyuria

Answer 11

excessive output of urine (diuresis)

Question 12

pyuria

Answer 12

pus in the urine

Question 13

urinary urgency

Answer 13

strong desire to void

Question 14

Assessing

urinary elimination

Answer 14

• measure urine output
• clean catch midstream specimen
• sterile specimen (catheterization)
• urinalysis

Question 15

Abnormal urine findings

Answer 15

• cloudiness
• protein, glucose, pus, bile, albumin, ketones, bacteria
• sweet or foul odor
• very dark in color