Use this nursing diagnosis guide to help you create a Urinary Retention
nursing care plan. Urinary retention, also known as ischuria, is the body’s failure to effectively and completely empty the bladder. It may occur in conjunction with or independent of
urinary incontinence. An immobile person; a person with a medical condition such as BPH, disk surgery, or hysterectomy; or a person who is experiencing the side effects of medications, including
anesthetic agents, antihypertensives, antispasmodics, antihistamines, and
anticholinergics, may experience urinary retention, bladder distention, and infrequently urinary incontinence. These drugs may meddle with the nerve impulses essential to cause relaxation of the sphincters, which enable urination. Severe complications of untreated urinary retention include bladder damage and
chronic kidney failure. Urinary retention is a disorder that needs to be managed immediately and correctly to prevent complications.
Causes of Urinary Retention
Here are some factors that may be related to Urinary Retention:
- Decompensation of detrusor musculature
- Enlarged prostate
- General anesthesia, regional anesthesia
- High urethral pressures caused by disease, injury, edema, and hematoma
- Inability of bladder to contract adequately
- Inadequate intake
- Infection
- Mechanical obstruction
- Pain, fear of pain
- Sensory/motor impairment, nerve paralysis
- Surgical manipulation
- Urethral blockage
Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Retention
Urinary Retention is characterized by the following signs and symptoms:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Bladder distention
- Decreased (less than 30 ml/hr) or absent urinary output for 2 consecutive hours
- Frequency
- Hesitancy
- Inability to empty bladder completely
- Incontinence
- Residual urine
- Sensation of bladder fullness
- Urgency
Goals and Outcomes
The following are the common goals and expected outcomes for Urinary Retention:
- Patient empties bladder completely.
- Patient voids in sufficient quantity with no palpable bladder distension.
- Patient has urine volume greater than or equal to 300 mL with each voiding and residual volume less than 100 mL.
Nursing Assessment for Urinary Retention
Assessment is required to determine potential problems that may have lead to Urinary Retention as well as manage any difficulty that may appear during nursing care.
Ascertain quantity, frequency, and character of urine, such as color, odor, and specific gravity. | Urinary retention, vaginal discharge, and presence of catheter predispose patient to infection, especially if patient has perineal sutures. |
Review previous patterns of voiding. | There is a wide range of “normal” voiding frequency. Acute urinary retention requires immediate medical intervention. With chronic urinary retention, one is able to urinate but may have trouble starting the stream or emptying the bladder completely. |
Allow patient to keep a record of the amount and time of each voiding. Take down decreased urinary output. Determine specific gravity as ordered. | Retention of urine increases pressure in the kidneys and ureters which may lead to renal insufficiency. Insufficiency of blood circulation to the kidney alters its capability to filter and concentrate substances. |
Assess vital signs. Check for changes in mentation, hypertension, and peripheral or dependent edema. Weigh daily. Maintain precise I&O record. | Kidney failure results in reduced fluid excretion and builds up of toxic wastes. It may lead to complete renal shutdown. |
Monitor time intervals between voiding and document the quantity voided. | Keeping an hourly record for 48 hours can help in establishing a toileting program and gives a clear picture of the patient’s voiding pattern. |
Ask patient concerning stress incontinence when moving, sneezing, coughing, laughing, and lifting objects. | High urethral pressure can inhibit voiding until abdominal pressure increases enough for urine to be involuntarily lost. Also, hinders bladder emptying. |
Palpate and percuss suprapubic area. Examine verbalization of discomfort, pain, fullness, and difficulty of voiding. | A distended bladder could be felt by the patient in the suprapubic area. Perception of bladder fullness, bladder distention above symphysis pubis implies urinary retention. |
Monitor urinalysis, urine culture, and sensitivity. | Urinary tract infection can cause retention. |
Monitor blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. | This laboratory test will differentiate between renal failure and urinary retention. |
Use a bladder scan (portable ultrasound instrument) or catheterize the patient to measure residual urine if incomplete emptying is presumed. | Retention of urine in the bladder predisposes the patient to urinary tract infection and may indicate the need for an intermittent catheterization program. |
If an indwelling catheter is in place, assess for patency and kinking. | An occluded or kinked catheter may lead to urinary retention in the bladder. |
Nursing Interventions for Urinary Retention
The following are the therapeutic nursing interventions for Urinary Retention:
Start the following techniques to facilitate voiding: | |
| Unless medically restricted, fluid intake should be at least 1500 mL/24 hr. |
| Cranberry juice keeps the acidity of urine. This aids in preventing infection. |
| An upright position on a commode or in bed on a bedpan increases the patient’s voiding success through force of gravity. |
| Privacy aids in the relaxation of urinary sphincters. |
| Voiding at frequent intervals empties the bladder and reduces risk of urinary retention. |
| These actions promote urination. |
| Sufficient urine volume is necessary to stimulate the voiding reflex. |
| Credé’s method (pressing down over the bladder with the hands) enhances urinary bladder pressure, and this consequently induces relaxation of sphincter to allow voiding. |
Decompress bladder moderately. | Once huge amount of urine has accumulated, fast urinary bladder decompression produces pressure on pelvic arteries, and may cause venous pooling. |
Encourage patient to take bethanechol (Urecholine) as indicated. | Bethanechol stimulates parasympathetic nervous system to release acetylcholine at nerve endings and to enhance tone and amplitude of contractions of smooth muscles of the urinary bladder. |
If incomplete emptying is presumed, catheterize and measure residual urine. | Urinary retention predisposes the patient to urinary tract infection and may be a sign of the need for an intermittent catheterization program. |
Keep indwelling catheter patent; maintain drainage tubing kink-free. | These provide free drainage of urine, decreasing the possibility of urinary stasis or retention and infection. |
Secure the catheter of male patient to the abdomen and thigh for female. | This technique prevents urethral fistula and avoids accidental dislodgment. |
Educate the patient on the importance of meatal care. This should be done twice daily with soap and water and dry thoroughly. | Meatal care reduces the risk for infection. |
Discuss the importance of adequate fluid intake. | Increased fluid stimulates voiding and decreases the risk of urinary tract infections. |
Inform the patient and significant other to observe the different signs and symptoms of bladder distention like reduced or lack of urine, urgency, hesitancy, frequency, distention of lower abdomen, or discomfort. | Knowledge of the signs and symptoms allows the patient, significant other, or caregiver to recognize them and seek treatment. |
Instruct the patient and significant other to observe the different signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection like chills and fever, frequent urination or concentrated urine, and abdominal or back pain. | Knowledge of the signs and symptoms allows the patient, significant other, or caregiver to recognize them and seek treatment. |
Teach the patient to achieve an upright position on the toilet in possible. | An upright position is the natural position for voiding and uses the force of gravity. |
Teach the patient about possible surgical treatment as needed. | If prostate enlargement is involved, surgery may be required. Women may need surgery to lift a fallen bladder or rectum. A urethral stent may be required to treat a urethral stricture. |
Suggest sitz bath as ordered. | A sitz bath supports muscle relaxation, reduces edema, and may improve voiding attempt. |
Recommended Resources
Recommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and resources.
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- Nursing Care Plans: Nursing Diagnosis and Intervention (10th Edition)
An awesome book to help you create and customize effective nursing care plans. We highly recommend this book for its completeness and ease of use. - Nurse’s Pocket Guide: Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions and Rationales
A quick-reference tool to easily select the appropriate nursing diagnosis to plan your patient’s care effectively. - NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions & Classification, 2021-2023 (12th
Edition)
The official and definitive guide to nursing diagnoses as reviewed and approved by the NANDA-I. This book focuses on the nursing diagnostic labels, their defining characteristics, and risk factors – this does not include nursing interventions and rationales. - Nursing Diagnosis Handbook, 12th Edition Revised Reprint with 2021-2023 NANDA-I®
Updates
Another great nursing care plan resource that is updated to include the recent NANDA-I updates. - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5(TM))
Useful for creating nursing care plans related to mental health and psychiatric nursing. - Ulrich & Canale’s Nursing Care Planning Guides, 8th Edition
Claims to have the most in-depth care plans of any nursing care planning book. Includes 31 detailed nursing diagnosis care plans and 63 disease/disorder care plans. - Maternal Newborn Nursing Care Plans (3rd Edition)
If you’re looking for specific care plans related to maternal and newborn nursing care, this book is for you. - Nursing Diagnosis Manual: Planning, Individualizing, and Documenting Client Care (7th Edition)
An easy-to-use nursing care plan book that is updated with the latest diagnosis from NANDA-I 2021-2023. - All-in-One Nursing Care Planning Resource: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Maternity, and Psychiatric-Mental Health (5th Edition)
Definitely an all-in-one resources for nursing care planning. It has over 100 care plans for different nursing topics.
See also
Other recommended site resources for this nursing care plan:
- Nursing Care Plans (NCP): Ultimate Guide and Database MUST READ!
Over 150+ nursing care plans for different diseases and conditions. Includes our easy-to-follow guide on how to create nursing care plans from scratch. - Nursing Diagnosis Guide and List: All You Need to Know to Master Diagnosing
Our comprehensive guide on how to create and write diagnostic labels. Includes detailed nursing care plan guides for common nursing diagnostic labels.
Gil Wayne graduated in 2008 with a bachelor of science in nursing. He earned his license to practice as a registered nurse during the same year. His drive for educating people stemmed from working as a community health nurse. He conducted first aid training and health seminars and workshops for teachers, community members, and local groups. Wanting to reach a bigger audience in teaching, he is now a writer and contributor for Nurseslabs since 2012 while working part-time as a nurse instructor. His goal is to expand his horizon in nursing-related topics. He wants to guide the next generation of nurses to achieve their goals and empower the nursing profession.