Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder completely during the process of urine. (Brunner and Suddarth 2010).
Urinary retention is a state of the buildup of urine in the bladder and do not have the ability to empty completely. Urinary retention is the difficulty of micturition due to the failure of urine from the bladder.
Signs and Symptoms
- Beginning with a slow flow of urine.
- Then there are the longer polyuria become worse because of inefficient bladder emptying.
- Abdominal distention occurs due to dilatation of the bladder.
- Feels there is pressure , sometimes painful and feel the urge to urinate.
- In severe retention can reach 2000 -3000 cc.
- Assess the client when the last time urinate and how much urine comes out.
- Assess for pain in the abdominal area.
- Percussion on the supra pubic area, whether produces dullness which shows distended bladder.
- Assess patterns of nutrients and fluids.
Nursing Diagnosis and Interventions
Urinary retention related to the inability of the bladder to contract adequately.
Purpose : After nursing actions, urinary retention can be resolved.
Expected outcomes :
- Urination by a considerable amount.
- Not palpable bladder distention.
1) Encourage the patient separately urinate every 2-4 hours and if suddenly felt.
R : Minimizing excessive urinary retention and bladder distension.
2) Monitor and record the time and amount of each micturition.
R : Retention of urine increases the pressure in the upper urinary tract.
3) Percussion / palpation suprapubic area.
R : distention of the bladder can be felt in the suprapubic area.