Question

A nurse inserts a urinary catheter into the bladder immediately after the child has voided. The child's mother asks why the nurse does this since the child has voided. The nurse explains that this procedure checks for retained urine referred to as a. Insensible b. Residual c. Incidental d. Tubular

Short answer

The correct term for urine retained in the bladder after voiding is 'residual'.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Context

Whenever a catheter is used post-voiding, it is to check the amount of urine left in the bladder that the individual is unable to expel. This is a common practice in healthcare to assess bladder function.

Identifying the Correct Term

The correct medical term for urine that remains in the bladder after voiding is known as 'residual' urine. It does not refer to insensible urine loss, which is not measured directly, nor does it relate to 'incidental' or 'tubular' which are not standard terms in this context.

Key concepts

Urinary Catheterization

Urinary catheterization is a medical procedure used to drain urine from the bladder when a person is unable to do it naturally. This process involves the insertion of a tube, known as a catheter, into the bladder through the urethra.

Medical professionals often carry out this procedure for various reasons such as during surgeries, when patients have urinary retention, or to measure residual urine—the urine left in the bladder after a person has attempted to void.

Understanding the technique of urinary catheterization is crucial for ensuring patient comfort and preventing infections. Proper sterilization and handling of the catheter are imperative, as is the correct selection of the catheter type and size. For those learning how to perform this procedure, hands-on training under supervision is essential to gain competence and confidence.

Bladder Function Assessment

Bladder function assessment is a critical aspect of healthcare, primarily when dealing with disorders of the urinary system. One primary way to evaluate bladder efficiency is by measuring the residual urine after a voiding episode.

Healthcare providers use various methods to assess bladder function, including ultrasound, urodynamics, and through the use of a urinary catheter. The amount of residual urine can give valuable insights into a patient’s bladder health, indicating potential issues such as incomplete emptying, which may result from conditions like urinary tract obstruction, nerve damage, or weakened bladder muscles.

For nurses and healthcare practitioners, understanding how to interpret the results of bladder function tests is vital to recognize and treat urinary disorders effectively.

NCLEX-RN Examination Preparation

The NCLEX-RN exam is a standardized test that nursing students must pass to become licensed registered nurses. The exam covers a wide array of topics, including the fundamentals of patient care, like urinary catheterization and bladder function assessment.

Preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination requires a thorough understanding of nursing principles and the capability to apply this knowledge in practical scenarios. Utilizing a variety of study resources such as textbooks, practice questions, and simulation labs is essential. Moreover, mastering test-taking strategies and time management skills can greatly increase the likelihood of passing the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt.

It is recommended for students to create a study plan that allows ample time to review each subject area thoroughly, with particular emphasis on more challenging topics and procedures that are frequently tested in the exam.