Question 1

The nurse is caring for a patient who has urinary frequency. Which nursing diagnosis is the highest priority for this patient?
A) Risk for compromised human dignity r/t occasional incontinence
B) Risk-prone health behavior r/t living alone at home with nocturia
C) Risk for contamination r/t urine contact with perineal area skin
D) Risk for falls r/t hurried trips to the bathroom during the day and night

Accepted Answer

Risk for falls is the highest priority diagnosis for this patient because rushing to the bathroom can lead to loss of balance and serious injury. Walking to the bathroom at night is even more dangerous because of low lighting conditions and sleepiness. Living alone with a history of nocturia does not demonstrate risk-prone health behavior. Risk for impaired skin integrity would be appropriate for the patient's potential skin breakdown caused by incontinence and skin contact with urine.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes insipidus. The patient has constant severe thirst, drinks fluids continuously, and voids 3 to 4 L of clear yellow urine daily. Which term will the nurse use in the record to describe this patient's urinary output?
A) Anuria
B) Oliguria
C) Polyuria
D) Enuresis

Accepted Answer

Urinary output greater than 2500 mL/day is polyuria. Insufficient urine output is oliguria, whereas absence of urine is anuria. Enuresis is commonly known as "bedwetting" at night.

Question 3

The nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing stress incontinence. Which goal is the most important for this patient?
A) The patient will carefully complete a voiding diary for the duration of 2 weeks.
B) The patient will not experience involuntary urination during coughing or sneezing.
C) The patient will be able to recognize and effectively manage perineal dermatitis.
D) The patient will demonstrate how to appropriately use urinary incontinence products.

Accepted Answer

The patient with stress incontinence experiences loss of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. The highest priority goal for this patient is to not experience incontinence at all and remain continent through all daily activities. If the patient remains continent, perineal dermatitis will not be a problem and urinary incontinence products will not be needed.

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a patient who has urinary retention resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The patient requires catheterization in order to drain the urine from his bladder. Which action will the nurse take to facilitate this procedure?
A) Use a double-lumen Coudé catheter.
B) Attach a leg bag to the catheter prior to insertion.
C) Trim the pubic hair before cleaning the perineal area.
D) Wait until the bladder is full to perform catheterization.

Accepted Answer

A Coudé catheter is used when there is narrowing or constriction of the urethra, making insertion of a regular indwelling catheter difficult. The Coudé catheter has a special tip on the end that is designed to facilitate insertion of the catheter through the narrowed urethra caused by BPH. Trimming the pubic hair will not facilitate catheterization. Attaching a leg bag to the catheter prior to insertion is not needed because a bedside collection bag will usually be used at first.

Question 5

The nurse is caring for a patient who had prostate surgery the previous day. The patient has had significantly decreased urine output over the last shift despite ample oral and IV fluid intake. The patient's urine from the indwelling catheter is cherry red with occasional small clots. What is the appropriate action of the nurse?
A) Remove the urinary catheter and replace it with a new one
B) Gently irrigate the catheter using warmed sterile normal saline
C) Send a sample of the patient's urine to the laboratory for analysis
D) Call the physician and obtain an order for kidney and bladder ultrasound

Accepted Answer

The patient most likely has decreased urine output caused by clot formation that is blocking urine from draining through the catheter. The catheter should be gently irrigated using sterile technique and warmed sterile saline to loosen clots and facilitate urinary drainage. The catheter should not be removed. Ultrasound and urinalysis are not necessary.

Question 6

The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient whose urinary catheter was removed 8 hours previously. The patient has not been able to void since the catheter was removed and now reports suprapubic pain. What is the priority action of the nurse?
A) Encourage oral fluid intake and administer a diuretic.
B) Obtain a urine sample to test for culture and sensitivity.
C) Carefully calculate the patient's daily intake and output.
D) Obtain an order to straight-catheterize the patient.

Accepted Answer

The patient who has not voided for 8 hours after urinary catheter removal and is complaining of suprapubic pain has acute urinary retention. The physician should be notified to obtain an order for straight catheterization to drain the bladder. A urine sample for culture and sensitivity is not ordered. Encouraging fluid intake and administering a diuretic will increase the amount of urine in the bladder and make the patient even more uncomfortable.

Question 7

The nurse is caring for a patient with the nursing diagnosis of Urge urinary incontinence related to urinary tract infection. Which statement is appropriate for the "as evidenced by" portion of the patient's diagnosis?
A) Sudden leakage of urine when patient is unable to get to the toilet in time.
B) Continuous urine flow from the bladder regardless of attempts to use the toilet
C) Leakage of urine from the bladder when the patient coughs, sneezes, or laughs
D) Leakage of urine because the patient is unable to indicate need to use the toilet

Accepted Answer

Urge urinary incontinence occurs when the patient has a sudden need to urinate but cannot get to the toilet in time. Continuous flow of urine is deemed total urinary incontinence. Leakage of urine when sneezing or coughing is stress incontinence. Functional incontinence occurs when the patient cannot indicate need to use the toilet.

Question 8

The nurse is caring for a patient who reports an urgent need to urinate but is unable to pass more than a few drops of urine on the toilet. Which is the priority assessment to be performed by the nurse?
A) Bladder scan to determine the amount of urine in the bladder
B) Auscultation to assess circulation through the right and left renal arteries
C) Bimanual palpation to assess for possible enlargement of the kidneys
D) Calculate the patient's intake and output to check for fluid volume deficit

Accepted Answer

The patient with suspected urinary retention should have a bladder scan performed to determine the amount of urine in the bladder. If a significant amount of urine is found in the bladder, the physician may be notified to obtain an order for straight catheterization.

Question 9

The nurse is caring for a patient who has developed kidney failure. Which test finding leads the nurse to contact the nephrologist and arrange for emergency hemodialysis?
A) Serum potassium level 7.4 mEq/L
B) Serum creatinine level of 2.8 mg/dL
C) Large amounts of protein in the urine
D) 1500 mL of retained urine in the bladder

Accepted Answer

Patients in renal failure often require dialysis once the serum potassium level exceeds 6.5 mEq/L. Critically high serum potassium levels can lead to lethal arrhythmias and must be corrected promptly. Patients with advanced renal failure may require emergency hemodialysis if the potassium level does not lower with other methods (insulin and 50% dextrose, kayexalate).

Question 10

The nurse is caring for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter caused by severe prostate enlargement. Which is the priority nursing diagnosis for this patient?
A) Risk for infection r/t indwelling urinary catheter
B) Disturbed body image r/t presence of catheter
C) Risk for contamination r/t potential leakage of urine on clothing
D) Urinary retention r/t blockage of bladder outlet

Accepted Answer

The presence of an indwelling urinary catheter puts the patient at high risk for urinary tract infection, and this is the highest priority diagnosis for the patient. Disturbed body image is not as important as the risk of infection. Risk for contamination does not relate to spillage of urine on clothing. Urinary retention was corrected by placement of the urinary catheter.

Question 11

The nurse is caring for a patient who recently underwent ileal conduit surgery. Which nursing diagnosis is the highest priority for this patient?
A) Ineffective sexuality pattern related to changed body structure
B) Social isolation related to potential for accidental leakage of urine
C) Knowledge deficit related to care and maintenance of ostomy appliance
D) Disturbed body image related to presence of stoma and appliance

Accepted Answer

The patient with a new ileal conduit needs to learn how to care for the urinary stoma and appliance prior to discharge from the hospital. If the appliance is not used and applied correctly, the patient may experience urinary leakage and significant skin breakdown from exposure to urine. The other diagnoses are less important than the patient's knowledge deficit about ostomy care.

Question 12

The nurse is caring for a seriously ill patient whose laboratory results show a serum creatinine level of 3.5 mg/dL and a serum BUN of 35 mg/dL. Which conclusion can the nurse draw from these test results?
A) The patient is severely dehydrated.
B) The patient's kidneys have been damaged.
C) The patient has a urinary tract infection.
D) The patient has developed a renal calculus.

Accepted Answer

Elevated BUN and creatinine are found in laboratory test results when the kidneys have been damaged and are unable to sufficiently clear metabolic wastes from the bloodstream. A dehydrated patient may have an elevated BUN, but the serum creatinine should be normal. Urinary tract infection and kidney stone (renal calculus) would not cause elevated BUN and creatinine levels.

Question 13

The nurse is caring for a patient who is to undergo computed tomography (CT) of the kidneys and ureters. Which assessment finding by the nurse must be reported to the physician and radiologist before the patient has the procedure?
A) The patient is allergic to bananas and latex.
B) The patient thinks that she might be pregnant.
C) The patient has a family history of bladder cancer.
D) The patient currently has a urinary tract infection.

Accepted Answer

CT requires exposure to radiation similar to an x-ray, so the patient's physician and radiologist should be notified promptly of the possibility of pregnancy. The other conditions do not preclude CT scan examination for the patient.

Question 14

The preceptor is watching a nursing student care for a male patient who requires a condom catheter. Which action by the nursing student indicates that the procedure is performed correctly?
A) Sterile gloves are donned before touching the catheter.
B) Adhesive tape is applied securely around the base of the penis.
C) Water-soluble lubricant is applied to the end of the catheter.
D) The foreskin is returned to its natural position before the catheter is applied.

Accepted Answer

The patient's penis should be cleaned with soap and water with the foreskin retracted prior to condom catheter application. The foreskin should then be returned to its natural position before the catheter is applied. Adhesive tape should never be applied around the base of the penis because circulation may be compromised. Sterile gloves and lubricant are not needed.

Question 15

The nurse is caring for a patient who will undergo ultrasound testing of the bladder and kidneys the next morning. Which instruction will the nurse provide to the patient about the test?
A) "A small IV will be inserted into your arm to inject the contrast dye."
B) "You will need to drink lots of water but not use the toilet."
C) "You should not have anything to eat or drink after midnight."
D) "You will receive a cleansing enema before you have the test."

Accepted Answer

No preparation is needed for kidney and bladder ultrasound other than having the patient drink lots of fluid beforehand. The patient is instructed not to use the toilet so that the bladder will be filled and easy to visualize. No contrast dye, enemas, or fasting is required.

Question 16

The nurse is caring for a patient who is recovering from septic shock. While in the ICU, the patient developed renal failure. Which type of renal failure did the patient most likely develop?
A) Prerenal
B) Renal
C) Post-renal
D) Mixed

Accepted Answer

Vascular collapse and lack of blood flow to the kidneys from septic shock led to renal failure. The patient experienced prerenal failure because the cause was prior to the kidneys rather than damage to the kidneys itself or urinary structures.

Question 17

The nurse is caring for a patient who has just had an intravenous pyelography (IVP) completed. Which assessment is the nurse's highest priority after the patient returns from the test?
A) Carefully calculate of the patient's intake and output.
B) Monitor for discoloration of the patient's urine.
C) Assess for possible iodine or shellfish allergies.
D) Inquire if the patient has burning or pain with urination.

Accepted Answer

The nurse must carefully monitor the patient's intake and output after IVP testing to ensure that the patient's kidneys were not damaged by the contrast dye. PO fluid intake should be encouraged to facilitate excretion of the contrast dye. Burning or pain with urination should not occur after IVP testing because there is no instrumentation of the urinary tract. Assessment of allergies must be done before the IVP is done because iodine-based contrast is used.

Question 18

The nurse is caring for a patient with benign prostatic hypertrophy who states that he feels a constant urge to urinate but cannot pass more than 30 to 60 mL of urine into the toilet at a time. The nurse performs a bladder scan and finds that there are 1100 mL of urine in the patient's bladder. What is the priority nursing diagnosis for this patient?
A) Alteration in comfort r/t continual urge to urinate
B) Overflow urinary incontinence r/t over-distention of the bladder
C) Urinary retention r/t obstruction of urinary bladder outlet
D) Toileting self-care deficit r/t inability to pass urine into the toilet

Accepted Answer

The patient has acute urinary retention with overflow as evidenced by 1100 mL of urine in the bladder and frequent passage of small amounts of urine. The priority nursing diagnosis is thus urinary retention r/t obstruction of urinary bladder outlet. Urinary retention is the cause of the patient's discomfort and drainage of the bladder will result in relief of the patient's symptoms. The patient is able to get himself on and off the toilet so toileting self-care deficit is not a problem. Overflow urinary incontinence is not applicable because the patient is passing the urine into the toilet.

Question 19

The nurse is caring for an incontinent male patient who has a deep decubitus ulcer on his sacrum. Which intervention will best manage the patient's urinary incontinence and facilitate healing of the ulcer?
A) Use of disposable absorbable incontinence briefs
B) Daily application of perineal barrier cream containing zinc oxide
C) Careful perineal care and application of a condom catheter
D) Insertion of a single-lumen straight urinary catheter

Accepted Answer

Condom catheters allow for collection of urine in the incontinent patient without the infection risks of an indwelling catheter. The condom catheter is applied to the outside of the penis like a condom instead of being inserted into the urethra. Careful perineal care is performed prior to application of the condom catheter and regularly thereafter. Use of disposable briefs or perineal barrier cream will not facilitate healing of the sacral ulcer. A single-lumen straight urinary catheter is used to drain the bladder to relieve urinary retention or to obtain a urine sample for testing. A straight catheter is not used for management of incontinence.

Question 20

The nurse is caring for a patient with a history of type I diabetes. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the patient may not be compliant with his diabetic treatment regimen?
A) The patient is always thirsty and frequently voids very large amounts of urine.
B) The patient's urine is very concentrated with a dark amber color.
C) The patient complains of throbbing flank pain and burning with urination.
D) The patient has urinary hesitancy and difficulty initiating a stream of urine.

Accepted Answer

A noncompliant diabetic patient will have elevated blood sugars that cause thirst and polyuria. Concentrated urine indicates dehydration. Throbbing flank pain and burning with urination are indicative of urinary tract infection. Urinary hesitancy and difficulty initiating urine stream are not indicative of elevated blood sugar levels.

Quiz 41: Urinary Elimination

The nurse is caring for a patient who has urinary frequency. Which nursing diagnosis is the highest priority for this patient?

The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes insipidus. The patient has constant severe thirst, drinks fluids continuously, and voids 3 to 4 L of clear yellow urine daily. Which term will the nurse use in the record to describe this patient's urinary output?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing stress incontinence. Which goal is the most important for this patient?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has urinary retention resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) . The patient requires catheterization in order to drain the urine from his bladder. Which action will the nurse take to facilitate this procedure?

The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient whose urinary catheter was removed 8 hours previously. The patient has not been able to void since the catheter was removed and now reports suprapubic pain. What is the priority action of the nurse?

The nurse is caring for a patient with the nursing diagnosis of Urge urinary incontinence related to urinary tract infection. Which statement is appropriate for the "as evidenced by" portion of the patient's diagnosis?

The nurse is caring for a patient who reports an urgent need to urinate but is unable to pass more than a few drops of urine on the toilet. Which is the priority assessment to be performed by the nurse?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has developed kidney failure. Which test finding leads the nurse to contact the nephrologist and arrange for emergency hemodialysis?

The nurse is caring for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter caused by severe prostate enlargement. Which is the priority nursing diagnosis for this patient?

The nurse is caring for a patient who recently underwent ileal conduit surgery. Which nursing diagnosis is the highest priority for this patient?

The nurse is caring for a seriously ill patient whose laboratory results show a serum creatinine level of 3.5 mg/dL and a serum BUN of 35 mg/dL. Which conclusion can the nurse draw from these test results?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is to undergo computed tomography (CT) of the kidneys and ureters. Which assessment finding by the nurse must be reported to the physician and radiologist before the patient has the procedure?

The preceptor is watching a nursing student care for a male patient who requires a condom catheter. Which action by the nursing student indicates that the procedure is performed correctly?

The nurse is caring for a patient who will undergo ultrasound testing of the bladder and kidneys the next morning. Which instruction will the nurse provide to the patient about the test?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is recovering from septic shock. While in the ICU, the patient developed renal failure. Which type of renal failure did the patient most likely develop?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has just had an intravenous pyelography (IVP) completed. Which assessment is the nurse's highest priority after the patient returns from the test?

The nurse is caring for an incontinent male patient who has a deep decubitus ulcer on his sacrum. Which intervention will best manage the patient's urinary incontinence and facilitate healing of the ulcer?

The nurse is caring for a patient with a history of type I diabetes. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the patient may not be compliant with his diabetic treatment regimen?