NSG 3160 Exam 3 Study Guide | 2026 Latest Update with
Complete Solution - Galen College of Nursing
Urinary Elimination Study Guide
Normal Structure and Function
• Kidneys: Filter blood and produce urine.
• Urine formation occurs via:
1. Filtration
2. Reabsorption
3. Secretion
• Nephron: Functional unit (includes renal corpuscle and renal tubule).
Common Urinary Issues
• Anuria: No urine output
• Oliguria: Decreased urine output
• Polyuria: Excessive urine output
• Nocturia: Nighttime urination
• Dysuria: Painful urination
• Hematuria: Blood in urine
• Frequency, Urgency, Incontinence, Retention, Enuresis
• Neurogenic bladder: Dysfunction due to nervous system damage
Factors Influencing Urinary Elimination
• Developmental: Infants to older adults
• Psychosocial: Privacy, stress
• Diet and fluid intake
• Medications: Diuretics, anticholinergics
• Muscle tone, pathologic conditions, and surgical procedures
Assessing Urine and Labs
• Normal Output: 60 mL/hr; Minimum: 30 mL/hr or 0.5 mL/kg/hr
• Urine characteristics: Volume, color, clarity, odor, sterility
• Tests:
o BUN: 10–20 mg/dL
o Creatinine: M: 0.6–1.2 | F: 0.5–1.1 mg/dL
o Urinalysis:
, ▪ Specific gravity: 1.005–1.030
▪ pH: 4.6–8
▪ Protein, ketones: None
▪ Glucose: Few to none
• 24-Hour urine: Measures creatinine clearance
Diagnostic Procedures
• Ultrasound
• KUB (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder X-ray)
• Pyelography
• CT Scan
• Cystoscopy: Visualization of the bladder
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Causes: Poor hygiene, urinary stasis, catheters, sexual activity
• Prevention Teaching:
o Hydration
o Proper hygiene (front to back)
o Avoid irritants (e.g., bubble baths)
o Urinate after intercourse
Nursing Diagnoses
• Primary:
o Impaired Urinary Elimination
o Urinary Incontinence (various types)
o Urinary Retention
• Related:
o Risk for Infection
o Risk for Skin Integrity Impairment
o Risk for Social Isolation
o Deficient Knowledge
Desired Outcomes
• Restore normal voiding
, • Prevent infection, skin breakdown, electrolyte imbalance
• Promote independence and continence
Types of Urinary Incontinence
Type Definition Nursing Intervention & Teaching
Stress Leakage with activity/cough/sneeze Kegel exercises, bladder diary, avoid lifting
Urge Sudden, intense need to void Bladder training, avoid irritants
Overflow Dribbling due to full bladder Timed voiding, catheter if needed
Reflex No urge, involuntary loss Skin care, catheterization schedule
Physical/cognitive barrier to
Functional Assistive devices, clear path to toilet
toileting
Absorbent products, referral for urologic
Total Continuous, unpredictable loss evaluation
Nursing Interventions
• Promote fluid intake (unless contraindicated)
• Normal voiding pattern encouragement
• Toileting assistance
• Prevent UTIs (hygiene, hydration)
• Training:
o Bladder/habit/prompted voiding
o Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)
• Maintain skin integrity
• Use of external/internal devices appropriately
Catheters & Devices
• External devices: Condom catheters
• Indwelling catheters:
o Sterile technique
o Keep bag below bladder level
o No kinks/loops
o Secure to non-moveable bed frame
• CAUTI prevention:
o Proper hygiene and technique
o Remove ASAP
o Medicare does not reimburse for CAUTIs
Complete Solution - Galen College of Nursing
Urinary Elimination Study Guide
Normal Structure and Function
• Kidneys: Filter blood and produce urine.
• Urine formation occurs via:
1. Filtration
2. Reabsorption
3. Secretion
• Nephron: Functional unit (includes renal corpuscle and renal tubule).
Common Urinary Issues
• Anuria: No urine output
• Oliguria: Decreased urine output
• Polyuria: Excessive urine output
• Nocturia: Nighttime urination
• Dysuria: Painful urination
• Hematuria: Blood in urine
• Frequency, Urgency, Incontinence, Retention, Enuresis
• Neurogenic bladder: Dysfunction due to nervous system damage
Factors Influencing Urinary Elimination
• Developmental: Infants to older adults
• Psychosocial: Privacy, stress
• Diet and fluid intake
• Medications: Diuretics, anticholinergics
• Muscle tone, pathologic conditions, and surgical procedures
Assessing Urine and Labs
• Normal Output: 60 mL/hr; Minimum: 30 mL/hr or 0.5 mL/kg/hr
• Urine characteristics: Volume, color, clarity, odor, sterility
• Tests:
o BUN: 10–20 mg/dL
o Creatinine: M: 0.6–1.2 | F: 0.5–1.1 mg/dL
o Urinalysis:
, ▪ Specific gravity: 1.005–1.030
▪ pH: 4.6–8
▪ Protein, ketones: None
▪ Glucose: Few to none
• 24-Hour urine: Measures creatinine clearance
Diagnostic Procedures
• Ultrasound
• KUB (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder X-ray)
• Pyelography
• CT Scan
• Cystoscopy: Visualization of the bladder
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Causes: Poor hygiene, urinary stasis, catheters, sexual activity
• Prevention Teaching:
o Hydration
o Proper hygiene (front to back)
o Avoid irritants (e.g., bubble baths)
o Urinate after intercourse
Nursing Diagnoses
• Primary:
o Impaired Urinary Elimination
o Urinary Incontinence (various types)
o Urinary Retention
• Related:
o Risk for Infection
o Risk for Skin Integrity Impairment
o Risk for Social Isolation
o Deficient Knowledge
Desired Outcomes
• Restore normal voiding
, • Prevent infection, skin breakdown, electrolyte imbalance
• Promote independence and continence
Types of Urinary Incontinence
Type Definition Nursing Intervention & Teaching
Stress Leakage with activity/cough/sneeze Kegel exercises, bladder diary, avoid lifting
Urge Sudden, intense need to void Bladder training, avoid irritants
Overflow Dribbling due to full bladder Timed voiding, catheter if needed
Reflex No urge, involuntary loss Skin care, catheterization schedule
Physical/cognitive barrier to
Functional Assistive devices, clear path to toilet
toileting
Absorbent products, referral for urologic
Total Continuous, unpredictable loss evaluation
Nursing Interventions
• Promote fluid intake (unless contraindicated)
• Normal voiding pattern encouragement
• Toileting assistance
• Prevent UTIs (hygiene, hydration)
• Training:
o Bladder/habit/prompted voiding
o Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)
• Maintain skin integrity
• Use of external/internal devices appropriately
Catheters & Devices
• External devices: Condom catheters
• Indwelling catheters:
o Sterile technique
o Keep bag below bladder level
o No kinks/loops
o Secure to non-moveable bed frame
• CAUTI prevention:
o Proper hygiene and technique
o Remove ASAP
o Medicare does not reimburse for CAUTIs
