Elimination
When assessing elimination in the client the nurse has several factors to assess for. The nurse needs to know the client's intake and output and when the client last voided and the amount. It is important for the nurse to assess the client for any signs or symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Some signs and symptoms of a UTI include: strong and persistent urge to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, passing frequent small amounts of urine, cloudy urine, reddish/bright pink urine color, strong smelling urine, pelvic pain in women, rectal pain in men, and possible confusion in the elderly. Before starting a catheterization procedure on a client, the nurse needs to determine the most appropriate method of catheterization based on how much urine is needed. A straight catheter would be used if a spot urine specimen is needed, the amount of residual urine is being measured, or temporary decompression/emptying of the bladder is required. An indwelling catheter would be used when the bladder must remain empty, continuous measurement of urine is needed, or a collection of urine is needed. Clients also need to be assessed for any allergies to antiseptic, tape, latex, or Betadine before starting a catheterization procedure. Clients are assessed for these allergies in order to verify if different products need to be used like latex free gloves.
After completing a catheterization procedure, it is important that the nurse documents all appropriate information. Information that should be documented includes: date and time of procedure, the last time the client voided and the amount, if the client had any bladder distention, what the nurse did (catheterization procedure), size of the catheter, the amount of fluid in the balloon if an indwelling catheter is used, the amount of urine collected and characteristics of it, if the specimen was sent to the lab or not, the client's response to the procedure, and any other pertinent information.
After completing a catheterization procedure, it is important that the nurse documents all appropriate information. Information that should be documented includes: date and time of procedure, the last time the client voided and the amount, if the client had any bladder distention, what the nurse did (catheterization procedure), size of the catheter, the amount of fluid in the balloon if an indwelling catheter is used, the amount of urine collected and characteristics of it, if the specimen was sent to the lab or not, the client's response to the procedure, and any other pertinent information.