Structures and Functions of Urinary System
Structures and Functions of Urinary System
Subjective Data
Question the patient about the presence or history of diseases that are related to renal or other
urologic problems. Some of these diseases are hypertension, diabetes mellitus, gout and other
metabolic problems, connective tissue disorders (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic
sclerosis [scleroderma]), skin or upper respiratory tract infections of streptococcal origi7n,
tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, congenital disorders, neurologic conditions (e.g., stroke, back
injury), or trauma. Note specific urinary problems such as cancer, infections, benign prostatic
hyperplasia, and calculi.
1. Inspection
Position: Supine
Inspect lower abdomen. A bulge in lower central abdomen may be present if there’s bladder
distention.
When bladder contains <500 ml = no bulge present
When bladder contains >700 ml = bulge present extending to umbilical region.
Not appreciated in obese patients.
2. Percussion
Most reliable in evaluating degree of bladder distention
Percuss from umbilicus going downward to symphisis pubis
a. Can c. Urinal
b. Bedpan d. Plastic Adhesive Bag
Label specimen and send to Laboratory no > 1 hour. If specimen can’t be transported, refrigerate to
prevent changes in urine.
Urine Test is not accurate:
a. Multiplication of bacteria
b. Multiplying bacteria may split urea content
c. Produces Alkaline urine
d. Decomposition of Urine composition
Purposes:
Note:
1. Specific gravity
Is the weight and concentration of urine as compared to water.
Measured using Urinometer which is calibrated to float into 1.000 mark in distilled water.
Procedure:
a. Place urine into a test tube
b. Place urinometer in the tube to float in the urine.
c. Specific gravity can be read when meniscus of urine hits the urinometer marking.
Normal Specific Gravity: 1.010 – 1.025 g/ml
2. Urinalysis
Most common urine test that provides characteristics of urine and its components.
Can be performed on any random specimen (20 – 30 ml of urine)
Can be collected anytime of the day but 1st void morning urine specimen is preferred b/c:
a. 1st void urine is more concentrated b/c clients is usually w/o fluids during night
b. Influence of diet and activity is minimized.
Characteristics of Urine
Criteria Normal Abnormal
Physical
Amount in 24 hours 1,000 – 1,500ml <1,000 or >1,500ml
Color Clear and pale to deep yellow (yellow Dark amber, cloudy, dark
color is d/t UROCHROME, pigment orange, red, dark brown
d/t destruction of Hemoglobin.
Clarity Clear liquid Mucus plugs, thick
Odor Slightly Aromatic Offensive
Chemical
Sterility No microorganisms (+) microorganisms
PH Slightly Acidic (4.5 – 6) <4.5 or >6
Specific Gravity
(SG of Pure Water is 1.0) 1.001 – 1.025 <1.001 or >1.025
Microscopic
Glucose NOT PRESENT PRESENT
Ketones NOT PRESENT PRESENT
Blood NOT PRESENT PRESENT
Protein (Albumin) NOT PRESENT PRESENT
Bile NOT PRESENT PRESENT
Pus (WBC and Bacteria) NOT PRESENT PRESENT
Epithelial Cast (group of NOT PRESENT PRESENT
cells)