Nursing Care of Clients with
Urinary Tract Disorders
Chapter 29
The Renal System
The Client with Urinary Tract
Infection (Infectious/inflammatory
 Cystitis- Women more likely; aging any area
of the urinary tract bladder most common.


inflammation of the bladder
Clinical Manifestations





dysuria
frequency
urgency
nocuria, pyuria, hematuria
supra pubic pain
Pathophysiology UTI






Urinary tract sterile above the urethra due to
Adequate urine volume
Unimpeded urine flow
Complete bladder emptying
Risk factors for UTI-discussion
Cystitis- bladder mucosa becomes inflamed and congested with
blood ( from the bacteria). Purulent discharge forms and the
mucosa bleeds. This creates the CM of cystitis.
 Catheter-Associated UTI- The longer the catheter remains in
place, the greater the risk for infection. Bacteria enter the
bladder by migrating through urine within the catheter or by
moving up the urethra outside the catheter. Bacteria enter the
catheter system at the connection between the catheter and
drainage system or through the emptying tube of the bag.
The Client with Urinary Tract
Infection
 Pyelonephritis
inflammation of renal pelvis,
Acute or chronic.

 Clinical Manifestations

Are Systemic




Urinary - same as cystitis, with CVA tenderness
G.I. - vomiting, diarrhea
Cardio - tachycardia
Hematological - leukocytosis
Pyelonephritis
 Bacteria usually Ecoli enter the kidney from the lower urinary





tract.
Risk: Pregnancy, obstruction and congenital malformation,
Vesicouretral reflex risk factor in children- urine moves from the
bladder back toward the kidney, adults too.
Infection can spread from the renal pelvis to the cortex, the
inflamed kidney becomes edematous.
Abscesses may form and kidney tissue can be destroyed by the
inflammatory process.
CM- Older adults change in behavior, confusion, incontinence or
deterioration in condition.
Chronic pyelonephritis leads to fibrosis and scarring of the renal
pelvis. Chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease are
possible consequences.
Treatment Pylonephritis
 10-21 days of antibiotic therapy, intravenous antibiotics may be
necessary/ usual.
Encouraging health promotion behaviors:
Generous fluid intake 1 liter per day
Void when urge is felt-3 hours at most 2 better.
Women cleanse the perineal area from front to back after void and
defecating
Void before and after sexual intercourse- women
Avoid bubble baths feminine hygiene sprays and vaginal douches
Cotton briefs avoid underwear make of synthetic materials
Acidic urine= cranberry juice, vitamin c.
The Client with Urinary Tract
Infection
 Systemic Symptoms
 Musculosketetal - muscle tenderness
 Metabolic - fever, chills, malaise
 Interdisciplinary Care
 Labs and Diagnostics
 UA- identify blood cells and bacteria in urine
 Gram Stain and culture- What organism?
 Eliminate the cause
 Prevent relapse
 Identify contributing factors
 CBC-systemic response
The Client with Urinary Tract
Infection
 Intravenous pylogram (IVP)


dye used to visual renal pelvis
check allergies - iodine
 Voiding cystogram

x-ray while voiding dye solution
 Cystoscopy

direct visualization of bladder
The Client with Urinary Tract
Infection
 Pharmacology

7 to 10 days of oral anti-microbial therapy


bactrim, septra- Sulfa drugs
Cipro, Pyridium
 Nursing Care

Pain



Assess
Relieving measures
Increase fluids
The Client with Urinary Tract
Infection
 Nursing Care

Altered Patters of Urinary Elimination

I&O
 color, clarity, character



Quick access
Avoid caffeine
Knowledge Deficit

Disease process
The Client with Urinary Tract
Infection
 Nursing Care- health promotion







Follow treatment regimen
teach prevention- Void at least every
2 hours. Well hydrated.
Limit caf. Beverages.
Women- void after intercourse
Hygiene practices
Clothing practices
Glomerulonephritis
 These diseases involving the glomerulus are the leading cause of







chronic kidney disease in the UA.
Flitration which is the first step in urine formation occurs in the
glomerulus.
Inflammatory condition that affects the glomerulus. Acute or chronic.
May be a primary disorder or may occur secondary to a systemic
disease such as lupus.
-Damages the capillary membrane and allows blood cells and proteins
to escape from the vascular compartment into the filtrate
CM- Hematuria, proteinuria, loss of plasma proteins in the blood which
leads to hypoalbuminemia. Edema follows caused by reduced osmotic
draw within blood vessels.
Glomerular filtration is disrupted, GFR falls and azotemia occurs.
Azotemia- increased blood levels of nitrogenous wastes, urea,
creatinine.
Glomerulonephritis
 Fall in GFR activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
leads to water retention and hypertension.
 Acute glomerulonephritis follows an infection with group A beta
Strep such as strep throat.
 Protein complexes from the infection become trapped in the
glomerular membrane causing an inflammatory response and
drawing WBC to the area.
 Inflammation damages the glomerular capillary walls and makes
them more porous. Plasma proteins and blood cells escape into
the urine.
Glomerulonephritis
Initiating event
Infection
Chronic dx
Glomerular capillary
Membrane
inflammation
Increased
Glomerular
permeability
Decreased
GFR
Glomerulonephritis
Decreased GFR
Increased
Glomerular
Permeability
Hematuria
Proteinuria
Hypoalbuminemia
Edema
Azotemia
Activation of the
Renin angiotensinAldosterone
System
Na and water ret
Hypertension
Edema
Glomerulonephritis
 CM- acute develop abruptly, 10-14 days after
the initial infection
 Nausea, malaise, arthralgias, proteinuria.
 Hypertension and edema (periorbital)more
often in children and young adults, not elderly
 Symptoms may subside spontaneously, most
people recover completely, some may
develop chronic glomerulonephritis never
regaining full kidney function.
Nephrotic Syndrome
 Group of symptoms results when glomerular tissues
are damaged and there is significant protein lost in
the urine.
 No one cause may result in adults from primary
kidney disorder or systemic disease such as diabetes
or lupus.
 CM- proteinuria, low serum albumin levels, high
blood lipids and edema, thromboemboli very
common.
 May resolve without effects, adults less likely to
recover than children. May have persistent
proteinuria and progressive renal impairment that
leads to renal failure
Chronic Glomerulonephritis
 Result of kidney damage by a systemic disease such as





diabetes.
May occur with no previous kidney disease or apparent cause.
Slow progressive destruction of glomeruli and nephrons.
Kidneys decrease in size and surfaces become granular as
nephrons are destroyed. Proteinuria.
CM- Develop slowly, renal failure may develop years to decades
after the disease is diagnosed.
Diabetic nephropathy-impairs filtration and elimination. Damage
in 15-20 yrs of diagnosis
Lupus nephritis- hematuria and proteinuria, inflammatory lesions
in the glomerulus. Chronic or acute may progress rapidly.
Diagnostic test
 Antistrepolysin (ASO)titer- Identifies antibodies to





group A beta-hemolytic strep.
ESR- erythrocyte sedimantation rate will be elevated
in glomerulonephritis. Indicator of inflammation.
BUN and serum creatinine levels are increased in
kidney disease.
Serum electrolytes- will be elevated in kidney disease
UA- blood and protein in the urine, 24 hour urine and
creatinine
KUB to evaluate kidney size, kidney scan or biopsey.
Medications
 No specific drug tx for glomerulonephritis.
 Glucocorticoids such as prednisone.
 Penicillin or other antimicrobials for infection.
 Antihypertensives and diuretics to lower BP
and to reduce edema
 NSAID for patients with nephrotic syndrome
to reduce inflammation.
Dietary Management
Glomerulonephritis
 Sodium intake is restricted.
 Dietary proteins may be increased when
protein is being lost in the urine/if azotemia is
present dietary protein is restricted.
 When protein is restricted complete proteins
such as meat, fish, eggs, soy or poultry
should be given; these supply all the
essential amino acids required for growth and
tissue maintenance.
Nursing- Health Promotion
 Advise to the effective treatment of streptococcal




infections in all age groups.
Complete the full course of antibiotic therapy to
eradicate the bacteria.
Effectively managing diabetes, treating hypertension
and avoid drugs and substances that are potentially
damaging to the kidneys.
Changes in urine output, rising serum creatinine and
BUN levels should be reported to charge nurse.
Monitor for increased wt, increase in blood pressure
or edema
Nursing Diagnosis
 Excess fluid volume related to plasma protein
loss and sodium and water retention.
 Risk for infection r/t medication regeime
 Risk for imbalanced nutrition: less than body
requirements related to anorexia
 Deficient knowledge: Glomerulonephritis
related to lack of information
 Anxiety related to prescribed activity
restriction
Renal Calculi
The Client with Urinary Calculi
Obstructive Disorders
 Urolithisasis
 development of stone in urinary system
 nephrolithiasis - stone in kidney
 Most common in US- Kidney.
 formed by crystals - calcium, magnesium, uric
acid
 Clinical Manifestations
 depends on where stone is
 Renal colic- Pain from obstructed urine flow,
tissue damage, distention and rough edged
stone. Discussion, book.
 CVA-
The Client with Urinary Calculi
 Diagnosis
 KUB, IVP, Renal Ultrasound, UA
 Treatment
 Pharmacology Vital! - narcotic analgesic - M.S.,
demerol, after analysis- thiazide diuretics for ca stones
reduce urinary calcium excretion, can prevent future
stones.
 Dietary - increase fluid = 3 liters/day, reduce calcuim
and uric acid intake. Foods that lower the urinary pH.
Acidic! Discussion.
 Risk Factors: personal or family history, dehydration,
excess calcium, oxalate or protein intake, gout,
hyperparathyroidism or urinary stasis,
immobility(calcium out of bone into the bloodstream.)
Types of Calculi
Pathophysiology- Calculi-(Stones)
 Stones are masses of crystals formed from
materials normally excreted in the urine.
 Most are made of calcium
 Stones form when a poorly soluble salt
(calcium phosphate) crystallizes.
 When fluid intake is adequate, no stone
growth occurs.
 Stone development is also affected by the pH
of the urine and the naturally occurring
compounds that inhibit stone development.
The Client with Urinary Calculi
 Treatment

Surgery

lithotrispy
 crushing of calculi

cystoscopy
 Nursing Care


Pain management
Altered Urinary Elimination - strain urine,
patent catheter tubing
Kidney Stones
Lithotripsy
Hydronephrosis
 An abnormal dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces.
 Results from urinary tract obstructions or
vesicoureteral reflux. (backflow of urine from bladder
to ureters)
 When urine outflow is obstructed pressure in the
renal pelvis increases and it dilates. The nephrons
and collecting tubules may be damaged thus
affecting kidney function.
 CM- Acute renal failure may develop. Discussion.
 Diagnosed by ultrasound or CT scan. Cystoscopy to
identify the cause.
Hydronephrosis
 Prompt treatment is vital to preserve kidney
function.
 Reestablishing urine flow from the affected
kidney.
 Nephrostomey tube, ureteral stent or
indwelling catheter may be required.
 Stents- used to keep ureters open and
promote healing, surgery or cystoscopy.
Temporary or longer periods if necessary.
Nursing Care Hydronephrosis
 Preventing hydronephrosis and ensuring
urinary drainage.
 Monitor intake and output
 Monitor bladder emptying to identify impaired
urine outflow. Pelvic or abdominal tumors,
urinary calculi, adhesions and scarring from
previous surgeries or neurologic deficits.
Bladder tumor (Congenital disorders)
Bladder Cancer
The Client with Urinary
Tumor
 Bladder most common site.
10th cause of cancer
 Death.
 Risk Factors




>50 years old
male
cigarette smoking
Chronic inflammation of the
bladder.
 Symptoms - painless
hematuria, urgency and
dysuria.
Pathophysiology
 Most are polyp like structures attached by a
stalk to the bladder mucosa. Superficial or
invasive.
 Prognosis for full recovery is good.
 Metastasis to pelvic lymph nodes. Lungs,
bones and liver are common.
 Kidney tumors anywhere in the kidney invade
the renal vein. Often metastasized to other
organs include brain.
The Client with Urinary Tumor
 Diagnosis


UA for cytology
IVP, Renal Ultrasound, CT Scan, Cystoscopy
with biopsy
 Treatment



Pharmacology - chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Surgery
The Client with Urinary Tumor
 Surgery


cystectomy - removal of bladder
ileal conduit - creation of urinary diversion




portion of ilium from small intestine is formed into
a pouch the end brought to skin surface to form a
stoma
wears a pouch, empty frequently
good skin care
urine has mucous flecks
Stoma for ileal conduit
Radical nephrectomy
 Removal of the affected kidney and
surrounding tissue.
 Open technique to allow inspection of
surrounding tissues.
 HP- No smoking!!, UA and cytology
 Assess painless hematuria!
Nursing Care - Review
 Urinary Tract infections?

Signs/symptoms, diagnostic studies, treatment
 Renal Calculi?
 Bladder Cancer?
The Client with Urinary Retention
 Occurs when bladder does not
fully empty



Benign prostatic hypertrophy
25-50cc considered overflow
leads to UTI
 Treatment


catheterization - intermittent or
indwelling
Cholinergic meds - urecholine
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
The Client with Neurogenic Bladder
 Spinal Cord injury


frequent spastic contraction of the bladder
involuntary bladder emptying
 Treatment


self catheterization
surgery - urinary diversion
The Client with Urinary
Incontinence
 Impaired bladder control

impacts skin breakdown, infections, rashes,
embarrassment, isolation, withdrawal,
depression





Stress - associated with intrabdominal pressure
Urge - can’t inhibit flow long enough to reach
toilet
Overflow - inability to fully empty bladder, overdistended and loss small amounts of urine
Reflex - involuntary loss of large amount
Functional - physical or environmental
The Client with Urinary
Incontinence
 Treatment


Correct underlying problem - cysocele,
urethrocele, enlarged prostate gland
Toileting schedule


to bathroom
diaper change
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic Kidney Disease
 Hereditary disease in which cysts form on the kidneys, the






kidneys enlarge and their function is gradually destroyed.
Common affects children and adults.
Cysts in the nephrons microscopic to several centimeters in
size, they destroy functional kidney tissue.
Adult is slow and progressive, CM in 30-40.
CM- flank pain, micorscopic or frank hematuria,proteinuria,
polyuria, nocturia. UTI and stones are common. Hypertension
and renal failure.
DX- Renal ultrasound. Tx- fluids, Ace inhibitors, preserve kidney
function avoid UTI’s. Will have renal failure and need dialysis or
kidney transplant.
Offspring of clients with polycystic kidney disease have 50%
chance of of inheriting the disorder. Genetic counseling!
Renal Failure
 Kidneys are unable to remove accumulated
waste products from the blood.
 Acute
 Chronic or end stage chronic
 Azotemia and fluid and electrolyte and acidbase imbalances are the defining
characteristics.
ARF
 Acute renal failure is a rapid decline in renal
function with an abrupt onset.
 Often reversible with prompt treatment.
 10,000 affected per year in the US
 Risk factors: Critically ill, major trauma,
surgery, infection, hemorrhage, severe heart
failure, lower urinary tract obstruction.
Pathphysiology ARF
 Common cause:
 Ischemia of the kidney
 Nephrotoxins- agents that damage kidney tissue.
 Prerenal- Most common results from conditions that
affect the blood supply to the kidney. Hemorrhage.
Shock or heart failure.
 Intrarenal- damage to the nephrons by inflammation
(acute glomerulonephritis, HTN)
 Postrenal- obstruction of urine outflow. (calculi or
urethral obstruction).
ARF
 Oliguria less than 400 mL per day.
 Increased BUN and creatinine levels.
 GFR falls, tubular cells become necrotic and slough




and the nephron is unable to eliminate wastes
effectively. = ATN
ATN:
Initiation phase-hrs to days, initiating event.
Maintenance phase- sharp drop in GFR. 1-2 weeks.
Azotemia, edema, anorexia, oliguria
Recovery phase- improving kidney function,UO
increases, may last one year.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Renal Failure
 Slow gradual process of kidney destruction.
 May go on for years as nephrons are
destroyed and functional kidney tissue is lost.
 Eventually the kidney is unable to excrete
metabolic wastes and regulate fluid and
electrolyte balance, this is ESRD. Which is
the final stage of chronic renal failure.
 Highest in African Americans.
 Diabetes is the leading cause of ESRD,
hypertension, glomerulonephritis.
ESRD
 Nephrons are destroyed by disease, those
that remain hypertrophy to compensate for
the lost tissue. The increased demand on
these nephrons increased their risk for
damage and destruction.
 Stage1- free of symptoms, early stage
 Stage2- GFR falls sightly
 Stage3- GFR decreased moderately
 Stage4- uremia symptoms developtransplant or dialysis are necessary.
ESRD
 Uremia- nausea, apathy, weakness, fatigue.
 Vomiting, lethargy and confusion
 Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause
of death in client with chronic kidney disease,
HTN is common.
 Most meds are excreted by the kidneys.
Antihypertensive drugs are used to decrease
BP Lasix and ACE inhibitors.
 Fluids and sodium intake are restricted. CHO
are increased. TPN may be initiated.
Renal replacement Therapy
 Dialysis- Diffusion of solutes across a membrane




from an area of higher concentration to one of lower
concentration.
Used to remove excess fluid and waste products in
renal failure.
Blood is separated from a dialysis solution by a
semipermeable membrane. Water and solutes such
as urea and electrolytes diffuse across this
membrane, but proteins do not.
Dialysis compensates for the kidneys inability to
eliminate excess water and solutes.
2 or 3 sessions per week. Outpatient center.
Dialysis
 Hemodialysis- Electrolytes, waste products
and excess water are removed from the body
by diffusion and filtration. The client’s blood
is pumped through a dialyzer.
 Peritoneal Dialysis- The peritoneum serves
as the dialyzing surface. Warmed dialysate is
instilled into the peritoneal cavity through a
peritoneal catheter.
Case Study
 A 82 year old male resident in a nursing
home who is usually talkative and out-going
stays in his room during lunch. The nurse
notices while administering his medications
that he appears listless and is slightly
confused about the date.
 Assessment reveals that he has slight
tenderness in the right flank areas. He
states he is tired and does not feel like
eating. Vital signs are T 99 P 88 R 20 B/P
118/62
 The nurse asked him to void in a cup. The
client has some difficultly urinating and
stands to void. He voids 90mls of dark yellow
concentrated urine, it is cloudy and has a
strong odor.
 The nurse instructs him to:
 The nurse then:
 UA results are:









Color – yellow
S.G. – 1.030
pH – 7
Glucose – negative
Ketones – moderate
RBC – 10
WBC 10
Bacteria – moderate/ could be contamination
Nitrates- moderate- Always indicates infection
 What findings are considered abnormal?
 What about a C & S?
 Treatment?
ESRD
 Nursing Care- discussion
 Kidney transplant- discussion
 Fistula or graft for hemodialysis.
 Differences from hemodialysis and peritoneal
dialysis.
NCLEX
 A client is diagnosed with chronic
pyelonephritis. The nurse realizes that this
client is prone to developing:
 A. cystitis
 B. chronic renal failure
 C. acute renal failure
 D. renal calculi
NCLEX
 A male client comes into the emergency
department with symptoms of renal colic.
The nurse realizes that this client most likely
has a calculi that is obstructing the:
 A. renal pelvis
 B. bladder
 C. ureter
 D. urethra
NCLEX
 A male client has a history of calcium calculi.
Which of the following medications can be
prescribed to help this client?
 A. furosemide (Lasix)
B. chlorothiazide (Diuril)
 C. allopurinol (Alloprim)
 D. NSAID’s
NCLEX
 While being catheterized for urinary retention,
the client becomes diaphoretic and pale.
Which of the following can be implemented to
help this client?
 A. Nothing, this is a normal response
 B. Provide the client with fluids
 C. Clamp the catheter after draining 500cc of
urine
 D. Pull the urinary catheter
NCLEX
 Three weeks after being treated for strep
throat, a client comes into the clinic with signs
of acute glomerulonephritis. Which of the
following manifestations will the nurse most
likely find upon assessment of this client?
 A. periorbital edema
 B. hunger
 C. polyuria
 D. polyphagia