Chapter 46: Urinary Elimination
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A nurse is teaching a patient about the urinary system. In which order will the nurse present the structures, following the flow of
urine?
a. Kidney, urethra, bladder, ureters
b. Kidney, ureters, bladder, urethra
c. Bladder, kidney, ureters, urethra
d. Bladder, kidney, urethra, ureters
ANS: B
The flow of urine follows these structures: kidney, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
DIF: Understand (comprehension)
OBJ: Explain the function and role of urinary system structures in urine formation and elimination.
TOP: Teaching/Learning MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. A nurse is reviewing urinary laboratory results. Which finding will cause the nurse to follow up?
a. Protein level of 2 mg/100 mL
b. Urine output of 80 mL/hr
c. Specific gravity of 1.036
d. pH of 6.4
ANS: C
Dehydration, reduced renal blood flow, and increase in antidiuretic hormone secretion elevate specific gravity. Normal specific
gravity is 1.005 to 1.030. An output of 30 mL/hr or less for 2 or more hours would be cause for concern; 80 mL/hr is normal. The
normal pH of urine is between 4.6 and 8.0. Protein up to 8 mg/100 mL is acceptable; however, values in excess of this could
indicate renal disease.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Describe nursing implications of common diagnostic tests of the urinary system.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Reduction of Risk Potential
3. A patient is experiencing oliguria. Which action should the nurse perform first?
a. Assess for bladder distention.
b. Request an order for diuretics.
c. Increase the patient’s intravenous fluid rate.
d. Encourage the patient to drink caffeinated beverages.
ANS: A
Oliguria is diminished urinary output in relation to fluid intake. The nurse first should gather all assessment data to determine the
potential cause of oliguria. It could be that the patient does not have adequate intake, or it could be that the bladder sphincter is not
functioning and the patient is retaining water. Increasing fluids is effective if the patient does not have adequate intake or if
dehydration occurs. Caffeine can work as a diuretic but is not helpful if an underlying pathology is present. An order for diuretics
can be obtained if the patient was retaining water, but this should not be the first action.
DIF: Analyze (analysis)
OBJ: Perform a physical assessment focused on urinary elimination.
TOP: Assessment MSC: Physiological Adaptation
4. A patient requests the nurse’s help to the bedside commode and becomes frustrated when unable to void in front of the nurse. How
should the nurse interpret the patient’s inability to void?
a. The patient can be anxious, making it difficult for abdominal and perineal
muscles to relax enough to void.
b. The patient does not recognize the physiological signals that indicate a need to
void.
c. The patient is lonely and calling the nurse in under false pretenses is a way to get
attention.
d. The patient is not drinking enough fluids to produce adequate urine output.
ANS: A
Attempting to void in the presence of another can cause anxiety and tension in the muscles that make voiding difficult. Anxiety can
impact bladder emptying due to inadequate relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles and urinary sphincter. The nurse should give the
patient privacy and adequate time if appropriate. No evidence suggests that an underlying physiological (does not recognize signals
or not drinking enough fluids) or psychological (lonely) condition exists.
DIF: Understand (comprehension)
OBJ: Identify factors that commonly impact urinary elimination.
TOP: Evaluation MSC: Basic Care and Comfort
Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 2
5. The patient is having lower abdominal surgery and the nurse inserts an indwelling catheter. What is the rationale for the nurse’s
action?
a. The patient may void uncontrollably during the procedure.
b. Local trauma sometimes promotes excessive urine incontinence.
c. Anesthetics can decrease bladder contractility and cause urinary retention.
d. The patient will not interrupt the procedure by asking to go to the bathroom.
ANS: C
Anesthetic agents and other agents given during surgery can decrease bladder contractility and/or sensation of bladder fullness,
causing urinary retention. Local trauma during lower abdominal and pelvic surgery sometimes obstructs urine flow, requiring
temporary use of an indwelling urinary catheter. The patient is more likely to retain urine rather than experience uncontrollable
voiding.
DIF: Understand (comprehension)
OBJ: Identify factors that commonly impact urinary elimination.
TOP: Evaluation MSC: Reduction of Risk Potential
6. The nurse, upon reviewing the history, discovers the patient has dysuria. Which assessment finding is consistent with dysuria?
a. Blood in the urine
b. Burning upon urination
c. Immediate, strong desire to void
d. Awakes from sleep due to urge to void
ANS: B
Dysuria is burning or pain with urination. Hematuria is blood in the urine. Urgency is an immediate and strong desire to void that is
not easily deferred. Nocturia is awakening form sleep due to urge to void.
DIF: Understand (comprehension)
OBJ: Compare and contrast common alterations associated with urinary elimination.
TOP: Assessment MSC: Physiological Adaptation
7. An 86-year-old patient is experiencing uncontrollable leakage of urine with a strong desire to void and even leaks on the way to the
toilet. Which priority nursing diagnosis will the nurse include in the patient’s plan of care?
a. Functional urinary incontinence
b. Urge urinary incontinence
c. Impaired skin integrity
d. Urinary retention
ANS: B
Urge urinary incontinence is the leakage of urine associated with a strong urge to void. Patients leak urine on the way to or at the
toilet and rush or hurry to the toilet. Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder. Functional urinary incontinence is
incontinence due to causes outside the urinary tract, such as mobility or cognitive impairments. While Impaired skin integrity can
occur, it is not the priority at this time, and there is no data to support this diagnosis.
DIF: Analyze (analysis)
OBJ: Identify nursing diagnoses associated with alterations in urinary elimination.
TOP: Diagnosis MSC: Management of Care
8. A patient has fallen several times in the past week when attempting to get to the bathroom. The patient gets up 3 or 4 times a night
to urinate. Which recommendation by the nurse is most appropriate in correcting this urinary problem?
a. Limit fluid and caffeine intake before bed.
b. Leave the bathroom light on to illuminate a pathway.
c. Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen bladder muscles.
d. Clear the path to the bathroom of all obstacles before bedtime.
ANS: A
Reducing fluids, especially caffeine and alcohol, before bedtime can reduce nocturia. To prevent nocturia, suggest that the patient
avoid drinking fluids 2 hours before bedtime. Clearing a path to the bathroom, illuminating the path, or shortening the distance to
the bathroom may reduce falls but will not correct the urination problem. Kegel exercises are useful if a patient is experiencing
stress incontinence.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Discuss nursing measures to promote normal micturition and improve bladder control.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
9. A nurse is caring for a male patient experiencing urinary retention. Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Limit fluid intake.
b. Insert a urinary catheter.
c. Assist to a standing position.
d. Ask for a diuretic medication.
ANS: C
In some patients just helping them to a normal position to void prompts voiding. A urinary catheter would relieve urinary retention,
but it is not the first measure; other nursing interventions should be tried before catheterization. Reducing fluids would reduce the
amount of urine produced but would not alleviate the urine retention and is usually not recommended unless the retention is severe.
Diuretic medication would increase urine production and may worsen the discomfort caused by urine retention.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Discuss nursing measures to promote normal micturition and improve bladder control.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Basic Care and Comfort
Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 3
10. Upon palpation, the nurse notices that the bladder is firm and distended; the patient expresses an urge to urinate. Which question is
most appropriate?
a. “Does your urinary problem interfere with any activities?”
b. “Do you lose urine when you cough or sneeze?”
c. “When was the last time you voided?”
d. “Are you experiencing a fever or chills?”
ANS: C
To obtain an accurate assessment, the nurse should first determine the source of the discomfort. Urinary retention causes the
bladder to be firm and distended; time of last void is most appropriate. Further assessment to determine the pathology of the
condition can be performed later. Questions concerning fever and chills, interference with any activities, and losing urine during
coughing or sneezing focus on specific pathological conditions.
DIF: Analyze (analysis)
OBJ: Obtain a nursing history from a patient with an alteration in urinary elimination.
TOP: Assessment MSC: Management of Care
11. A nurse is planning care for a group of patients. Which task will the nurse assign to the nursing assistive personnel (AP)?
a. Obtaining a midstream urine specimen
b. Interpreting a bladder scan result
c. Inserting a straight catheter
d. Irrigating a catheter
ANS: A
The skill of collecting midstream (clean-voided) urine specimens can be delegated to nursing assistive personnel. The nurse must
first determine the timing and frequency of the bladder scan measurement and interprets the measurements obtained. Inserting a
straight or an indwelling catheter cannot be delegated. Catheter irrigation or instillation cannot be delegated to nursing assistive
personnel.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Discuss nursing measures to promote normal micturition and improve bladder control.
TOP: Planning MSC: Management of Care
12. While receiving a shift report on a female patient, the nurse is informed that the patient has been experiencing urinary incontinence.
Upon assessment, which finding will the nurse expect?
a. An indwelling Foley catheter
b. Reddened irritated skin on buttocks
c. Tiny blood clots in the patient’s urine
d. Foul-smelling discharge indicative of infection
ANS: B
Urinary incontinence is uncontrolled urinary elimination; if the urine has prolonged contact with the skin, skin breakdown can
occur. An indwelling Foley catheter is a solution for urine retention. Blood clots and foul-smelling discharge are often signs of
infection.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Compare and contrast common alterations associated with urinary elimination.
TOP: Assessment MSC: Basic Care and Comfort
13. A nurse is inserting a catheter into a female patient. When the nurse inserts the catheter, no urine is obtained. The nurse suspects
the catheter is not in the urethra. What should the nurse do?
a. Throw the catheter way and begin again.
b. Fill the balloon with the recommended sterile water.
c. Remove the catheter, wipe with alcohol, and reinsert after lubrication.
d. Leave the catheter in the vagina as a landmark for insertion of a new, sterile
catheter.
ANS: D
If no urine appears, the catheter may be in the vagina. If misplaced, leave the catheter in the vagina as a landmark to indicate where
not to insert, and insert another sterile catheter. The catheter should be left in place until the new, sterile catheter is inserted. The
balloon should not be filled since the catheter is in the vagina. The catheter must be sterile; using alcohol will not make the catheter
sterile.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Apply an external catheter and insert a urinary catheter. TOP: Implementation
MSC: Safety and Infection Control
Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 4
14. A patient asks about treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Which is the nurse’s best response?
a. Perform pelvic floor exercises.
b. Avoid voiding frequently.
c. Drink cranberry juice.
d. Wear an adult diaper.
ANS: A
Poor muscle tone leads to an inability to control urine flow. The nurse should recommend pelvic muscle strengthening exercises
such as Kegel exercises; this solution best addresses the patient’s problem. Evidence has shown that patients with urgency, stress,
and mixed urinary incontinence can eventually achieve continence when treated with pelvic floor muscle training. Drinking
cranberry juice is a preventative measure for urinary tract infection. The nurse should not encourage the patient to reduce voiding;
residual urine in the bladder increases the risk of infection. Wearing an adult diaper could be considered if attempts to correct the
root of the problem fail.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Discuss nursing measures to promote normal micturition and improve bladder control.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
15. The nurse suspects cystitis related to a lower urinary tract infection. Which clinical manifestation does the nurse expect the patient
to report?
a. Dysuria
b. Flank pain
c. Frequency
d. Fever
ANS: C
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder; associated symptoms include hematuria, foul-smelling cloudy urine, and
urgency/frequency. Dysuria is a common symptom of a lower urinary tract infection (bladder). Flank pain, fever, and chills are all
signs of pyelonephritis (upper urinary tract).
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Compare and contrast common alterations associated with urinary elimination.
TOP: Assessment MSC: Physiological Adaptation
16. Which assessment question should the nurse ask if stress incontinence is suspected?
a. “Do you think your bladder feels distended?”
b. “Do you empty your bladder completely when you void?”
c. “Do you experience urine leakage when you cough or sneeze?”
d. “Do your symptoms increase with consumption of alcohol or caffeine?”
ANS: C
Stress incontinence can be related to intraabdominal pressure causing urine leakage, as would happen during coughing or sneezing.
Asking the patient about the fullness of the bladder would rule out retention and overflow. An inability to void completely can refer
to urge incontinence. Physiological causes and medications can effect elimination, but this is not related to stress incontinence.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Compare and contrast common alterations associated with urinary elimination.
TOP: Assessment MSC: Physiological Adaptation
17. The patient has a catheter that must be irrigated. The nurse is using a needleless closed irrigation technique. In which order will the
nurse perform the steps, starting with the first one?
1. Clean injection port.
2. Inject prescribed solution.
3. Twist needleless syringe into port.
4. Remove clamp and allow to drain.
5. Clamp catheter just below specimen port.
6. Draw up prescribed amount of sterile solution ordered.
a. 3, 2, 6, 1, 5, 4
b. 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, 4
c. 1, 5, 6, 3, 2, 4
d. 6, 5, 1, 3, 2, 4
ANS: D
The steps for irrigating with a needleless closed irrigation technique is as follows: draw up in a syringe the prescribed amount of
medication or sterile solution; clamp indwelling retention catheter just below specimen port; using circular motion, clean injection
port with antiseptic swab; insert tip of needleless syringe using twisting motion into irrigation port; slowly and evenly inject fluid
into catheter and bladder; and withdraw syringe, remove clamp, and allow solution to drain into drainage bag.
DIF: Understand (comprehension) OBJ: Perform closed catheter irrigation correctly.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Basic Care and Comfort
Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 5
18. To obtain a clean-voided urine specimen from a female patient, what should the nurse teach the patient to do?
a. Cleanse the urethral meatus from the area of most contamination to least.
b. Initiate the first part of the urine stream directly into the collection cup.
c. Drink fluids 5 minutes before collecting the urine specimen.
d. Hold the labia apart while voiding into the specimen cup.
ANS: D
The patient should hold the labia apart to reduce bacterial levels in the specimen. The urethral meatus should be cleansed from the
area of least contamination to greatest contamination (or front to back). The initial stream flushes out microorganisms in the urethra
and prevents bacterial transmission in the specimen. Drink fluids 30 minutes before giving a specimen.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Describe nursing implications of common diagnostic tests of the urinary system.
TOP: Teaching/Learning MSC: Infection and Safety Control
19. A nurse is reviewing results from a urine specimen. What will the nurse expect to see in a patient with a urinary tract infection?
a. Casts
b. Protein
c. Crystals
d. Bacteria
ANS: D
Bacteria in the urine along with other symptoms support a diagnosis of urinary tract infection. Crystals would be seen with renal
stone formation. Casts indicate renal disease. Protein indicates kidney function and damage to the glomerular membrane such as in
glomerulonephritis.
DIF: Understand (comprehension)
OBJ: Describe characteristics of normal and abnormal urine. TOP: Assessment
MSC: Reduction of Risk Potential
20. The patient is prescribed phenazopyridine. When assessing the urine, what will the nurse expect?
a. Red color
b. Orange color
c. Dark amber color
d. Intense yellow color
ANS: B
Some drugs change the color of urine (e.g., phenazopyridine—orange, riboflavin—intense yellow). Eating beets, rhubarb, and
blackberries causes red urine. Dark amber urine is the result of high concentrations of bilirubin in patients with liver disease.
DIF: Understand (comprehension)
OBJ: Describe characteristics of normal and abnormal urine. TOP: Assessment
MSC: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
21. Which clinical manifestation will the nurse expect to observe in a patient with excessive white blood cells present in the urine?
a. Reduced urine specific gravity
b. Increased blood pressure
c. Abnormal blood sugar
d. Fever with chills
ANS: D
Fever and chills may be observed. The presence of white blood cells in urine indicates a urinary tract infection or inflammation.
Overhydration, early renal disease, and inadequate antidiuretic hormone secretion reduce specific gravity. Increased blood pressure
is associated with renal disease or damage and some medications. Abnormal blood sugars would be seen in someone with ketones
in the urine or a patient with diabetes.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Describe characteristics of normal and abnormal urine. TOP: Assessment
MSC: Physiological Adaptation
22. A patient reports severe flank pain. The urinalysis reveals presence of calcium phosphate crystals. The nurse will anticipate an
order for which diagnostic test?
a. Intravenous pyelogram
b. Mid-stream urinalysis
c. Bladder scan
d. Cystoscopy
ANS: A
Flank pain and calcium phosphate crystals are associated with renal calculi. An intravenous pyelogram allows the provider to
observe pathological problems such as obstruction of the ureter. A mid-stream urinalysis is performed for a routine urinalysis or if
an infection is suspected, a urinalysis was already performed, a mid-stream would not be obtained again. A cystoscopy is used to
detect bladder tumors and obstruction of the bladder outlet and urethra. A bladder scan measures the amount of urine in the bladder.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Describe nursing implications of common diagnostic tests of the urinary system.
TOP: Planning MSC: Physiological Adaptation
Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 6
23. A nurse is caring for a patient who just underwent an intravenous pyelography that revealed a renal calculus obstructing the left
ureter. What is the nurse’s first priority in caring for this patient?
a. Turn the patient on the right side to alleviate pressure on the left kidney.
b. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake to flush the obstruction.
c. Monitor the patient for fever, rash, and difficulty breathing.
d. Administer narcotic medications to the patient for pain.
ANS: C
Assess for delayed hypersensitivity to the contrast media. Intravenous pyelography is performed by administering iodine-based dye
to view functionality of the urinary system. Therefore, the first nursing priority is to assess the patient for an allergic reaction that
could be life threatening. The nurse should then encourage the patient to drink fluids to flush dye resulting from the procedure.
Narcotics can be administered but are not the first priority. Turning the patient on the side will not affect patient safety.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Describe nursing implications of common diagnostic tests of the urinary system.
TOP: Assessment MSC: Management of Care
24. Which statement by the patient about an upcoming contrast computed tomography (CT) scan indicates a need for further teaching?
a. “I will follow the food and drink restrictions as directed before the test is
scheduled.”
b. “I will be anesthetized so that I lie perfectly still during the procedure.”
c. “I will complete my bowel prep program the night before the scan.”
d. “I will be drinking a lot of fluid after the test is over.”
ANS: B
Patients are not put under anesthesia for a CT scan; instead, the nurse should educate patients about the need to lie perfectly still
and about possible methods of overcoming feelings of claustrophobia. The other options are correct and require no further teaching.
Patients need to be assessed for an allergy to shellfish if receiving contrast for the CT scan. Bowel cleansing is often performed
before CT scan. Another area to address is food and fluid restriction up to 4 hours prior to the test. After the procedure, encourage
fluids to promote dye excretion.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Describe nursing implications of common diagnostic tests of the urinary system.
TOP: Evaluation MSC: Reduction of Risk Potential
25. The nurse is preparing to test a patient for postvoid residual with a bladder scan. Which action will the nurse take?
a. Measure bladder before the patient voids.
b. Measure bladder within 15 minutes after the patient voids.
c. Measure bladder with head of bed raised to 60 degrees.
d. Measure bladder with head of bed raised to 90 degrees.
ANS: B
Measurement should be within 5 to 15 minutes of voiding. It is a postvoid so the measurement is after the patient voids and the
urine volume is recorded. Patient is supine with head slightly elevated.
DIF: Apply (application) OBJ: Measure postvoid residual with a bladder scanner.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Reduction of Risk Potential
26. A nurse is watching a nursing assistive personnel (AP) perform a postvoid bladder scan on a female with a previous hysterectomy.
Which action will require the nurse to follow up?
a. Palpates the patient’s symphysis pubis.
b. Wipes scanner head with alcohol pad.
c. Applies a generous amount of gel.
d. Sets the scanner to female.
ANS: D
The nurse will follow up if the AP sets the scanner to female. Women who have had a hysterectomy should be designated as male.
All the rest are correct and require no follow-up. The NAP should palpate the symphysis pubis, the scanner head should be cleaned
with an alcohol pad, and a generous amount of gel should be applied.
DIF: Apply (application) OBJ: Measure postvoid residual with a bladder scanner.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Management of Care
27. A female patient is having difficulty voiding in a bedpan but states that her bladder feels full. To stimulate micturition, which
nursing intervention should the nurse try first?
a. Exiting the room and informing the patient that the nurse will return in 30 minutes
to check on the patient’s progress
b. Utilizing the power of suggestion by turning on the faucet and letting the water
run
c. Obtaining an order for a Foley catheter
d. Administering diuretic medication
ANS: B
To stimulate micturition, the nurse should attempt noninvasive procedures first. Running warm water or stroking the inner aspect of
the upper thigh promotes sensory perception that leads to urination. A patient should not be left alone on a bedpan for 30 minutes
because this could cause skin breakdown. Catheterization places the patient at increased risk of infection and should not be the first
intervention attempted. Diuretics are useful if the patient is not producing urine, but they do not stimulate micturition.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Discuss nursing measures to promote normal micturition and improve bladder control.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Basic Care and Comfort
Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 7
28. A nurse is caring for an 8-year-old patient who is embarrassed about urinating in bed at night. Which intervention should the nurse
suggest to reduce the frequency of this occurrence?
a. “Set your alarm clock to wake you every 2 hours, so you can get up to void.”
b. “Line your bedding with plastic sheets to protect your mattress.”
c. “Drink your nightly glass of milk earlier in the evening.”
d. “Empty your bladder completely before going to bed.”
ANS: C
Nightly incontinence and nocturia are often resolved by limiting fluid intake 2 hours before bedtime. Setting the alarm clock to
wake does not correct the physiological problem, nor does lining the bedding with plastic sheets. Emptying the bladder may help
with early nighttime urination but will not affect urine produced throughout the night from late-night fluid intake.
DIF: Analyze (analysis)
OBJ: Discuss nursing measures to promote normal micturition and improve bladder control.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance
29. A nurse is inserting an indwelling urinary catheter for a male patient. Which action will the nurse take?
a. Hold the shaft of the penis at a 60-degree angle.
b. Hold the shaft of the penis with the dominant hand.
c. Cleanse the meatus 3 times with the same cotton ball from clean to dirty.
d. Cleanse the meatus with circular strokes beginning at the meatus and working
outward.
ANS: D
Using the uncontaminated dominant hand, cleanse the meatus with cotton balls/swab sticks, using circular strokes, beginning at the
meatus and working outward in a spiral motion. Repeat 3 times using a clean cotton ball/swabstick each time. With the
nondominant hand (now contaminated), retract the foreskin (if uncircumcised) and gently grasp the penis at the shaft just below the
glans. Hold the shaft of the penis at a right angle to the body.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Apply an external catheter and insert a urinary catheter. TOP: Implementation
MSC: Basic Care and Comfort
30. The nurse will anticipate inserting a Coudé catheter for which patient?
a. An 8-year-old male undergoing anesthesia for a tonsillectomy
b. A 24-year-old female who is going into labor
c. A 56-year-old male admitted for bladder irrigation
d. An 86-year-old female admitted for a urinary tract infection
ANS: C
A Coudé catheter has a curved tip that is used for patients with enlarged prostates. This would be indicated for a middle-aged male
who needs bladder irrigation. Coudé catheters are not indicated for children or women.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Apply an external catheter and insert a urinary catheter. TOP: Planning
MSC: Management of Care
31. A nurse is evaluating a nursing assistive personnel’s (AP) care for a patient with an indwelling catheter. Which action by the AP
will cause the nurse to intervene?
a. Emptying the drainage bag when half full
b. Kinking the catheter tubing to obtain a urine specimen
c. Placing the drainage bag on the side rail of the patient’s bed
d. Securing the catheter tubing to the patient’s thigh
ANS: C
Placing the drainage bag on the side rail of the bed could allow the bag to be raised above the level of the bladder and urine to flow
back into the bladder. The urine in the drainage bag is a medium for bacteria; allowing it to reenter the bladder can cause infection.
A key intervention to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections is prevention of urine back flow from the tubing and bag
into the bladder. All the rest are correct procedures and do not require follow-up. The drainage bag should be emptied when half
full; an overfull drainage bag can create tension and pulling on the catheter, resulting in trauma to the urethra and/or urinary meatus
and increasing risk for urinary tract infections. Urine specimens are obtained by temporarily kinking the tubing; a prolonged kink
could lead to bladder distention. Failure to secure the catheter to the patient’s thigh places the patient at risk for tissue injury from
catheter dislodgment.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Discuss nursing measures to reduce risk for urinary tract infections.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Management of Care
Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 8
32. A nurse is caring for a patient with a continent urinary reservoir. Which action will the nurse teach the patient?
a. Catheterizing the pouch
b. Preforming Kegel exercises
c. Changing the collection pouch
d. To avoid using the Valsalva technique
ANS: A
In a continent urinary reservoir, the ileocecal valve creates a one-way valve in the pouch through which a catheter is inserted
through the stoma to empty the urine from the pouch. Patients must be willing and able to catheterize the pouch 4 to 6 times a day
for the rest of their lives. The second type of continent urinary diversion is called an orthotopic neobladder, which uses an ileal
pouch to replace the bladder. Anatomically, the pouch is in the same position as the bladder was before removal, allowing a patient
to void through the urethra using a Valsalva technique. In a ureterostomy or ileal conduit, the patient has no sensation or control
over the continuous flow of urine through the ileal conduit, requiring the effluent (drainage) to be collected in a pouch. Kegel
exercises are ineffective for a patient with a continent urinary reservoir.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Compare and contrast common alterations associated with urinary elimination.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Physiological Adaptation
33. The nurse is preparing to apply an external catheter. Which action will the nurse take?
a. Allow 1 to 2 inches of space between the tip of the penis and the end of the
catheter.
b. Spiral wrap the penile shaft using adhesive tape to secure the catheter.
c. Twist the catheter before applying drainage tubing to the end of the catheter.
d. Shave the pubic area before applying the catheter.
ANS: A
When applying an external catheter, allow 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) of space between the tip of the penis and the end of the
catheter. Spiral wrap the penile shaft with supplied elastic adhesive. The strip should not overlap. The elastic strip should be snug
but not tight. NOTE: Never use adhesive tape. Connect drainage tubing to the end of the condom catheter. Be sure the condom is
not twisted. Connect the catheter to a large-volume drainage bag or leg. Clip hair at the base of the penile shaft, as necessary. Do
not shave the pubic area.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Apply an external catheter and insert a urinary catheter. TOP: Implementation
MSC: Basic Care and Comfort
34. A nurse is caring for a hospitalized patient with a urinary catheter. Which nursing action best prevents the patient from acquiring an
infection?
a. Maintaining a closed urinary drainage system
b. Inserting the catheter using strict clean technique
c. Disconnecting and replacing the catheter drainage bag once per shift
d. Fully inflating the catheter’s balloon according to the manufacturer’s
recommendation
ANS: A
A key intervention to prevent infection is maintaining a closed urinary drainage system. A catheter should be inserted in the
hospital setting using sterile technique. Inflating the balloon fully prevents dislodgment and trauma, not infection. Disconnecting
the drainage bag from the catheter creates a break in the system and an open portal of entry and increases risk of infection.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Discuss nursing measures to reduce risk for urinary tract infections.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Basic Care and Comfort
35. A nurse is providing care to a patient with an indwelling catheter. Which practice indicates the nurse is following guidelines for
avoiding catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)?
a. Drapes the urinary drainage tubing with no dependent loops.
b. Washes the drainage tube toward the meatus with soap and water.
c. Places the urinary drainage bag gently on the floor below the patient.
d. Allows the spigot to touch the receptacle when emptying the drainage bag.
ANS: A
Avoid dependent loops in urinary drainage tubing. Prevent the urinary drainage bag from touching or dragging on the floor. When
emptying the urinary drainage bag, use a separate measuring receptacle for each patient. Do not let the drainage spigot touch the
receptacle. Using a clean washcloth, soap, and water, with your dominant hand wipe in a circular motion along the length of the
catheter for about 10 cm (4 inches), starting at the meatus and moving away.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Discuss nursing measures to reduce risk for urinary tract infections.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Management of Care
Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 9
36. A nurse is providing care to a group of patients. Which patient will the nurse see first?
a. A patient who is dribbling urine and has a diagnosis of urge incontinence
b. A patient with reflex incontinence with elevated blood pressure and pulse rate
c. A patient with an indwelling catheter that has stool on the catheter tubing
d. A patient who has just voided and needs a postvoid residual test
ANS: B
The nurse should see the patient with reflex incontinence first. Patients with reflex incontinence are at risk for developing
autonomic dysreflexia, a life-threatening condition that causes severe elevation of blood pressure and pulse rate and diaphoresis.
This is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention; notify the health care provider immediately. A patient with urge
incontinence will dribble, and this is expected. While a patient with a catheter and stool on the tubing does need to be cleaned, it is
not life threatening. The nurse has 10 minutes before checking on the patient who has a postvoid residual test.
DIF: Analyze (analysis)
OBJ: Discuss nursing measures to promote normal micturition and improve bladder control.
TOP: Assessment MSC: Management of Care
37. To reduce patient discomfort during a closed intermittent catheter irrigation, what should the nurse do?
a. Use room temperature irrigation solution.
b. Administer the solution as quickly as possible.
c. Allow the solution to sit in the bladder for at least 1 hour.
d. Raise the bag of the irrigation solution at least 12 inches above the bladder.
ANS: A
To reduce discomfort use room temperature solution. Using cold solutions and instilling solutions too quickly can cause
discomfort. During an irrigation, the solution does not sit in the bladder; it is allowed to drain. A container is not raised about the
bladder 12 inches when performing a closed intermittent catheter irrigation.
DIF: Apply (application) OBJ: Perform closed catheter irrigation correctly.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Basic Care and Comfort
38. Which observation by the nurse best indicates that a continuous bladder irrigation for a patient following genitourinary surgery is
effective?
a. Output that is smaller than the amount instilled
b. Blood clots or sediment in the drainage bag
c. Bright red urine turns pink in the tubing
d. Bladder distention with tenderness
ANS: C
If urine is bright red or has clots, increase irrigation rate until drainage appears pink, indicating successful irrigation. Expect more
output than fluid instilled because of urine production. If output is smaller than the amount instilled, suspect that the tube may be
clogged. The presence of blood clots indicates the patient is still bleeding, while sediment could mean an infection or bleeding. The
bladder should not be distended or tender; the irrigant may not be flowing freely if these occur, or the tube may be kinked or
blocked.
DIF: Apply (application) OBJ: Perform closed catheter irrigation correctly.
TOP: Evaluation MSC: Management of Care
39. The nurse anticipates a suprapubic catheter for which patient?
a. A patient with recent prostatectomy
b. A patient with a urethral stricture
c. A patient with an appendectomy
d. A patient with menopause
ANS: B
A patient with a urethral stricture is most likely to have a suprapubic catheter. Suprapubic catheters are placed when there is
blockage of the urethra (e.g., enlarged prostate, urethral stricture, after urological surgery). A patient with a recent prostatectomy
indicates the enlarged prostate was removed and would not need a suprapubic catheter; however, continuous bladder irrigation may
be needed. Appendectomies and menopause do not require a suprapubic catheter.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Compare and contrast common alterations associated with urinary elimination.
TOP: Planning MSC: Management of Care
Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 10
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. Which nursing actions will the nurse implement when collecting a urine specimen from a patient? (Select all that apply.)
a. Growing urine cultures for up to 12 hours
b. Labeling all specimens with date, time, and initials
c. Allowing the patient adequate time and privacy to void
d. Wearing gown, gloves, and mask for all specimen handling
e. Transporting specimens to the laboratory in a timely manner
f. Collecting the specimen from the drainage bag of an indwelling catheter
ANS: B, C, E
All specimens should be labeled appropriately and processed in a timely fashion. Allow patients time and privacy to void. Urine
cultures can take up to 48 to 72 hours to develop. Only gloves are necessary to handle a urine specimen. Gown and mask are not
needed unless otherwise indicated. Never collect the specimen from the drainage bag of a catheter; obtain the sample from the
special sampling port.
DIF: Understand (comprehension)
OBJ: Describe nursing implications of common diagnostic tests of the urinary system.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Basic Care and Comfort
2. The nurse is obtaining a 24-hour urine specimen collection from the patient. Which actions should the nurse take? (Select all that
apply.)
a. Keeping the urine collection container on ice when indicated
b. Withholding all patient medications for the day
c. Irrigating the sample as needed with sterile solution
d. Testing the urine sample with a reagent strip by dipping it in the urine
e. Asking the patient to void and discarding that urine to start the collection
ANS: A, E
When obtaining a 24-hour urine specimen, it is important to keep the urine in cool conditions, depending upon the test. The patient
should be asked to void and to discard the urine before the procedure begins. Medications do not need to be held unless indicated
by the provider. If properly educated about the collection procedure, the patient can maintain autonomy and perform the procedure
alone, taking care to maintain the integrity of the solution. A 24-hour urine specimen is not tested with a reagent strip.
DIF: Understand (comprehension)
OBJ: Describe nursing implications of common diagnostic tests of the urinary system.
TOP: Implementation MSC: Basic Care and Comfort
3. Which findings should the nurse follow up on after removal of a catheter from a patient? (Select all that apply.)
a. Increasing fluid intake
b. Dribbling of urine
c. Voiding in small amounts
d. Voiding within 6 hours of catheter removal
e. Burning with the first couple of times voiding
ANS: B, C
Abdominal pain and distention, a sensation of incomplete emptying, incontinence, constant dribbling of urine, and voiding in very
small amounts can indicate inadequate bladder emptying requiring intervention. All the rest are normal and do not require
follow-up. The patient should increase intake. The first few times a patient voids after catheter removal may be accompanied by
some discomfort, but continued complaints of painful urination indicate possible infection. Patient should void 6 to 8 hours after
catheter removal.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Discuss nursing measures to promote normal micturition and improve bladder control.
TOP: Assessment MSC: Basic Care and Comfort
4. A nurse administers an antimuscarinic to a patient. A decrease in which findings indicate the patient is having therapeutic effects
from this medication? (Select all that apply.)
a. Dysuria
b. Urgency
c. Frequency
d. Prostate size
e. Bladder infection
ANS: B, C
When newly started on an antimuscarinic, you should monitor the patient for effectiveness, watching for a decrease in symptoms
such as urgency, frequency, and urgency urinary incontinence episodes. Patients with painful urination are sometimes prescribed
urinary analgesics that act on the urethral and bladder mucosa (e.g., phenazopyridine). Antibiotics are used to treat bladder
infections. Agents that shrink the prostate include finasteride and dutasteride.
DIF: Apply (application)
OBJ: Discuss nursing measures to promote normal micturition and improve bladder control.
TOP: Evaluation MSC: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 11
5. The nurse is using different toileting schedules. Which principles will the nurse keep in mind when planning care? (Select all that
apply.)
a. Habit training uses a bladder diary.
b. Timed voiding is based upon the patient’s urge to void.
c. Prompted voiding includes asking patients if they are wet or dry.
d. Elevation of feet in patients with edema can decrease nighttime voiding.
e. Bladder retraining teaches patients to follow the urge to void as quickly as
possible.
ANS: A, C
Habit training is a toileting schedule based upon the patient’s usual voiding pattern. Using a bladder diary, the usual times a patient
voids are identified. It is at these times that the patient is then toileted. Prompted voiding is a program of toileting designed for
patients with mild or moderately cognitive impairment. Patients are toileted based upon their usual voiding pattern. Caregivers ask
the patient if they are wet or dry, give positive feedback for dryness, prompt the patient to toilet, and reward the patient for desired
behavior. Timed voiding or scheduled toileting is toileting based upon a fixed schedule, not the patient’s urge to void. The schedule
maybe set by a time interval, every 2 to 3 hours or at times of day such as before and after meals. In bladder retraining, patients are
taught to inhibit the urge to void by taking slow and deep breaths to relax, perform 5 to 6 quick strong pelvic muscle exercises
(flicks) in quick succession followed by distracting attention from bladder sensations. When the urge to void becomes less severe
or subsides, only then should the patient start the trip to the bathroom. Encourage patients with edema to elevate the feet for a
minimum of a few hours in the afternoon to help diminish nighttime voiding frequency; while this is helpful, it is not a toileting
schedule.
DIF: Understand (comprehension)
OBJ: Discuss nursing measures to promote normal micturition and improve bladder control.
TOP: Planning MSC: Reduction of Risk Potential