Nursing management of renal and urinary disorders

Unit Number - 11 of Medical Surgical Nursing – I
learning Objectives - Describe the management of clients with urinary and renal disorders. Demonstrate skill in giving care of client with urinary and renal disorders
Hours - 14
Teaching and Learning Activities - Lecture cum discussion Clinical teaching Visit to Dialysis unit Videos and Films
Assessment Methods - Short answer Objective type Essay type

Content of the chapter

a) Assessment of renal and urinary functions
– History
– Physical examination
– Diagnostic evaluation
b) Management of patients with renal and
urinary disorders
– Urinary retention and incontinence
– Urinary tract infection
– Acute and chronic glomerulonephritis
– Pyelonephritis
– Urolithiasis
– Renal calculi
– Trauma of kidney, bladder,urethra, ureters
– Urinary strictures
– TB of urinary tract
– Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
– Renal cyst and renal abscess
– Nephrotic syndrome
– Acute and chronic Renal failure
– Uremia
– Acute and chronic nephrosis
– Tumor – benign and malignant
– Care of patient on hemodialysis and
peritoneal dialysis
– Care of patient with renal transplant
c) Assessment of male Genitourinary function
– History
– Physical examination
– Diagnostic evaluation
d) Disorders of male genito urinary tract and its
management
– Hydrocele,
– Phimosis
– Benign and malignant prostatic
hypertrophy
– Orchitis
– Epididymoorchitis
– Cancer penis
e) Alternate therapies
f) Drugs used in treatment of renal and Urinary
disorders

Nursing Management of Renal and Urinary Disorders

Renal and urinary disorders affect fluid balance, waste elimination, electrolyte balance and blood pressure. Nursing management focuses on early assessment, maintaining renal function, preventing complications and patient education.


a) Assessment of Renal and Urinary Functions

1. History

  • Urinary symptoms:
    • Frequency, urgency, dysuria
    • Hematuria
    • Decreased or increased urine output
  • Pain:
    • Flank pain, suprapubic pain
  • Edema, breathlessness
  • History of:
    • Hypertension, diabetes
    • Renal stones, infections
  • Drug history (NSAIDs, antibiotics)
  • Family history of renal disease

2. Physical Examination

  • General examination:
    • Edema (face, ankles)
    • Pallor
    • Blood pressure
  • Abdominal examination:
    • Bladder distension
    • Renal tenderness
  • Inspection of urine:
    • Color, clarity, odor
  • Weight monitoring

3. Diagnostic Evaluation

  • Urine examination (routine & culture)
  • Blood tests:
    • Serum creatinine
    • Blood urea
    • Electrolytes
  • Ultrasound KUB
  • CT scan
  • IVP
  • Renal biopsy (if indicated)

b) Management of Patients with Renal and Urinary Disorders

Urinary Retention & Incontinence

  • Bladder training
  • Timed voiding
  • Catheterization if required
  • Pelvic floor exercises

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

  • Antibiotic therapy
  • Encourage fluids
  • Perineal hygiene
  • Monitor urine output

Glomerulonephritis (Acute & Chronic)

  • Bed rest
  • Monitor BP and urine
  • Low-sodium diet
  • Steroids / immunosuppressants

Pyelonephritis

  • Antibiotics
  • IV fluids
  • Monitor temperature and urine

Urolithiasis / Renal Calculi

  • Pain management
  • High fluid intake
  • Strain urine
  • Pre- and post-lithotripsy care

Trauma of Kidney, Bladder, Urethra, Ureters

  • Monitor hematuria
  • Maintain urinary drainage
  • Observe for shock
  • Post-surgical care

Urinary Strictures

  • Dilatation care
  • Catheter care
  • Post-operative monitoring

TB of Urinary Tract

  • Anti-TB therapy
  • Nutrition support
  • Monitor renal function

Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction

  • Intermittent catheterization
  • Bladder training
  • Prevent infection

Renal Cyst & Renal Abscess

  • Antibiotics
  • Drainage if required
  • Monitor pain and fever

Nephrotic Syndrome

  • Protein-rich diet
  • Edema management
  • Infection prevention

Acute & Chronic Renal Failure

  • Strict intake and output charting
  • Monitor electrolytes
  • Dietary management
  • Prepare for dialysis

Uremia

  • Dialysis support
  • Skin care
  • Oral hygiene
  • Nutritional management

Nephrosis (Acute & Chronic)

  • Manage edema
  • Monitor urine protein
  • Steroid therapy as prescribed

Renal Tumors (Benign & Malignant)

  • Pre- and post-nephrectomy care
  • Pain management
  • Psychological support

Care of Patient on Dialysis

Hemodialysis

  • Check vascular access
  • Monitor vitals during dialysis
  • Prevent infection
  • Weight monitoring

Peritoneal Dialysis

  • Strict asepsis
  • Monitor inflow and outflow
  • Observe for peritonitis

Care of Patient with Renal Transplant

  • Monitor graft function
  • Administer immunosuppressants
  • Infection prevention
  • Patient education

c) Assessment of Male Genitourinary Function

1. History

  • Urinary difficulties
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Pain or swelling of scrotum
  • Discharge

2. Physical Examination

  • Inspection of penis and scrotum
  • Palpation of testes
  • Digital rectal examination (prostate)

3. Diagnostic Evaluation

  • Urine analysis
  • PSA levels
  • Ultrasound
  • Biopsy (if required)

d) Disorders of Male Genitourinary Tract and Management

Hydrocele

  • Scrotal support
  • Surgical care

Phimosis

  • Local hygiene
  • Circumcision if required

Benign & Malignant Prostatic Hypertrophy

  • Catheter care
  • Monitor urine retention
  • Pre- and post-prostatectomy care

Orchitis / Epididymoorchitis

  • Antibiotics
  • Scrotal elevation
  • Pain relief

Cancer of Penis

  • Hygiene education
  • Surgical and psychological care

e) Alternate Therapies

  • Adequate hydration
  • Yoga and relaxation
  • Dietary modification
  • Herbal remedies (with medical advice)

f) Drugs Used in Renal and Urinary Disorders

  • Antibiotics: Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin
  • Diuretics: Furosemide
  • Antihypertensives: ACE inhibitors
  • Steroids: Prednisolone
  • Immunosuppressants: Cyclosporine
  • Phosphate binders: Calcium carbonate
  • Erythropoietin
  • Alkalinizers: Sodium bicarbonate

Conclusion

Nursing management of renal and urinary disorders involves systematic assessment, maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance, prevention of infection, dialysis care, and patient education. Skilled nursing care is vital for improving patient survival and quality of life.