Urinary retention is a condition characterized by the inability to completely empty the bladder. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including nerve damage, prostate problems, and certain medications. This condition can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including bladder infections and kidney damage. It is important for nurses to understand the causes, symptoms, and management of urinary retention to ensure appropriate care for patients.
NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition
Nursing Diagnosis: Urinary Retention is defined by NANDA International as “an inability to empty the bladder completely.” It is a condition that can be caused by a variety of factors such as nerve damage, prostate problems, and certain medications. This diagnosis is made when a patient is experiencing difficulty emptying their bladder completely, resulting in discomfort, pain, and potential complications if left untreated. This diagnosis is important for nurses to understand and recognize in order to provide appropriate care and management for patients with urinary retention.
Defining Characteristics
- Subjective: Patient reports difficulty emptying their bladder, feeling of fullness or discomfort in the lower abdomen, and difficulty starting or stopping urination.
- Objective: Presence of urinary retention as evidenced by a full or distended bladder, inability to void, and increased post-void residual urine volume.
Related Factors
- Neurological disorders such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
- Prostate problems such as enlargement or cancer
- Medications such as anticholinergics and alpha-blockers
- Obstruction of the urinary tract from tumors, stones or strictures.
Risk Population
- Men over the age of 50
- Patients with neurological disorders
- Patients with prostate problems
- Patients taking certain medications
Associated Problems
- Bladder infections
- Kidney damage
- Bladder or kidney stones
- Damage to the bladder or urethra
Suggestions of Use
- Patients should be assessed for urinary retention when they present with symptoms such as difficulty starting or stopping urination, feeling of fullness or discomfort in the lower abdomen, and difficulty emptying the bladder.
- Patients should be assessed for any underlying causes of urinary retention such as neurological disorders, prostate problems, or medications that may be causing the problem.
- Patients should be educated on the importance of seeking medical attention if they experience symptoms of urinary retention, as well as the potential complications of the condition if left untreated.
Suggested alternative NANDA diagnosis list
- Urinary Elimination: Constipation
- Urinary Elimination: Ineffective
- Risk for Urinary Tract Infection
Usage tips
- It is important to differentiate between urinary retention and other types Of urinary problems such as incontinence or frequency.
- Patients should be assessed for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to their urinary retention, such as prostate problems or neurological disorders.
- Patients should be educated on the importance of seeking medical attention if they experience symptoms of urinary retention and the potential complications of the condition if left untreated.
- Patients should be closely monitored for any changes in their symptoms and for any complications that may arise from urinary retention.
NOC Results
- Urinary Elimination: The patient’s ability to empty their bladder completely and regularly.
- Bladder Control: The patient’s ability to control their urinary function.
- Comfort Level: The patient’s level of discomfort or pain related to urinary retention.
NIC Interventions
- Bladder Training: Teaching the patient techniques to help improve their ability to empty their bladder completely.
- Medication Management: Administering medications as prescribed to help improve bladder function and relieve symptoms of urinary retention.
- Catheterization: Inserting a catheter to empty the bladder if the patient is unable to do so on their own.
- Referral to Specialists: Referring the patient to a urologist or other specialist for further evaluation and treatment of underlying conditions contributing to urinary retention.
Conclusion
Urinary retention is a condition characterized by the inability to completely empty the bladder. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including nerve damage, prostate problems, and certain medications. It is important for nurses to understand the causes, symptoms, and management of urinary retention to ensure appropriate care for patients. With proper assessment, education, and management, the risk of complications can be minimized and patient outcomes can be improved.