ELDER TIP As a person ages, his bladder muscles weaken, which may result in incomplete bladder emptying and chronic urine retention — factors that predispose the older person to bladder infections.
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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Dysuria:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Appendicitis
Occasionally, appendicitis causes dysuria that persists throughout voiding and is accompanied by bladder tenderness. Appendicitis is characterized by periumbilical abdominal pain that shifts to McBurney’s point, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, slight fever, abdominal rigidity and rebound tenderness, and tachycardia.
Bladder cancer
In this predominantly male disorder, dysuria throughout voiding is a late symptom associated with urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, and perineal, back, or flank pain.
Cultural Cue: Bladder cancer is twice as common in White males as in Blacks. It’s relatively uncommon in Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans.
Cystitis
Dysuria throughout voiding is common in all types of cystitis, as are urinary frequency, nocturia, straining to void, and hematuria. Bacterial cystitis, the most common cause of dysuria in women, may also produce urinary urgency, perineal and lower back pain, suprapubic discomfort, fatigue and, possibly, a low-grade fever. In chronic interstitial cystitis, dysuria is accentuated at the end of voiding. In tubercular cystitis, symptoms may also include urinary urgency, flank pain, fatigue, and anorexia. In viral cystitis, severe dysuria occurs with gross hematuria, urinary urgency, and fever.
Gender Cue: Women are more prone to develop cystitis than men because they have a shorter urethra. For men, age is a factor: Older men have a 15% higher risk of developing cystitis.
Diverticulitis
Inflammation near the bladder may cause dysuria throughout voiding. Other effects include urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, fever, abdominal pain and tenderness, perineal pain, constipation or diarrhea and, possibly, an abdominal mass.
Paraurethral gland inflammation
Dysuria throughout voiding is accompanied by urinary frequency and urgency, diminished urine stream, mild perineal pain and, occasionally, hematuria in this disorder.
Prostatitis
Acute prostatitis commonly causes dysuria throughout or toward the end of voiding as well as a diminished urine stream, urinary frequency and urgency, hematuria, suprapubic fullness, fever, chills, fatigue, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. In chronic prostatitis, urethral narrowing causes dysuria throughout voiding. Related effects are urinary frequency and urgency; diminished urine stream; perineal, back, and buttocks pain; urethral discharge; nocturia; and, at times, hematospermia and ejaculatory pain.
Pyelonephritis (acute)
More common in females than in males, this disorder causes dysuria throughout voiding. Other features include persistent high fever with chills, costovertebral angle tenderness, unilateral or bilateral flank pain, weakness, urinary urgency and frequency, nocturia, straining on urination, and hematuria. Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia may also occur.
Reiter’s syndrome
In this predominantly male disorder, dysuria occurs 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Initially, the patient has a mucopurulent discharge, urinary urgency and frequency, meatal swelling and redness, suprapubic pain, anorexia, weight loss, and low-grade fever. Hematuria, conjunctivitis, arthritic symptoms, a papular rash, and oral and penile lesions may follow.
Urethral syndrome
Occurring in sexually active women, this syndrome mimics urethritis. Dysuria throughout voiding may occur with urinary frequency, diminished urine stream, suprapubic aching and cramping, tenesmus, and low back and unilateral flank pain. In the absence of pyuria, symptoms will usually resolve without intervention.
Urethritis
Primarily found in sexually active males, this infection causes dysuria throughout voiding. It’s accompanied by a reddened meatus and a copious, yellow, purulent discharge (gonorrheal infection) or a white or clear mucoid discharge (nongonorrheal infection).
Urinary obstruction
Outflow obstruction by urethral strictures or calculi produces dysuria throughout voiding. (In a complete obstruction, bladder distention develops and dysuria precedes voiding.) Other features are diminished urine stream, urinary frequency and urgency, and a sensation of fullness or bloating in the lower abdomen or groin.
Vaginitis
Characteristically, dysuria occurs throughout voiding as urine touches inflamed or ulcerated labia. Other findings include urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, perineal pain, and vaginal discharge and odor.
Other causes
Chemical irritants
Dysuria may result from irritating substances, such as bubble bath salts and feminine deodorants; it’s usually most intense at the end of voiding. Spermicides may cause dysuria in both sexes as well as urinary frequency and urgency, a diminished urine stream and, possibly, hematuria.
Drugs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and metyrosine can cause dysuria.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Oliguria:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Acute tubular necrosis (ATN)
An early sign of ATN, oliguria may occur abruptly (in shock) or gradually (in nephrotoxicity). Usually, it persists for about 2 weeks, followed by polyuria. Related features include signs of hyperkalemia (muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias); uremia (anorexia, confusion, lethargy, twitching, seizures, pruritus, and Kussmaul’s respirations); and heart failure (edema, jugular vein distention, crackles, and dyspnea).
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
This disorder, which is common in men older than age 50, in rare cases may cause oliguria resulting from bladder outlet obstruction. More common symptoms include urinary frequency or hesitancy, urge or overflow incontinence, decrease in the force of the urine stream or inability to stop the stream, nocturia and, possibly, hematuria.
Bladder neoplasm
Uncommonly, this disorder may produce oliguria if the tumor obstructs the bladder outlet. The cardinal signs of such obstruction include urinary frequency and urgency, as well as gross hematuria, which may lead to clot retention and flank pain.
Calculi
Oliguria or anuria may result from stones lodging in the kidneys, ureters, bladder outlet, or urethra. Associated signs and symptoms include urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, and hematuria or pyuria. Usually, the patient experiences renal colic—excruciating pain that radiates from the CVA to the flank, the suprapubic region, and the external genitalia. This pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, hypoactive bowel sounds, abdominal distention and, occasionally, fever and chills.
Cholera
In this bacterial infection, severe water and electrolyte loss lead to oliguria, thirst, weakness, muscle cramps, decreased skin turgor, tachycardia, hypotension, and abrupt watery diarrhea and vomiting. Death may occur in hours without treatment.
Cirrhosis
In severe cirrhosis, hepatorenal syndrome may develop with oliguria, in addition to ascites, edema, fatigue, weakness, jaundice, hypotension, tachycardia, gynecomastia, testicular atrophy, and signs of GI bleeding such as hematemesis.
Glomerulonephritis (acute)
This disorder produces oliguria or anuria. Other features are mild fever, fatigue, gross hematuria, proteinuria, generalized edema, elevated blood pressure, headache, nausea and vomiting, flank and abdominal pain, and signs of pulmonary congestion (dyspnea and productive cough).
Heart failure
Oliguria may occur in left ventricular failure as a result of low cardiac output and decreased renal perfusion. Accompanying signs and symptoms include dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, peripheral edema, distended jugular veins, tachycardia, tachypnea, crackles, and a dry or productive cough. In advanced heart failure, the patient may also develop orthopnea, cyanosis, clubbing, ventricular gallop, diastolic hypertension, cardiomegaly, and hemoptysis.
Hypovolemia
Any disorder that decreases circulating fluid volume can produce oliguria. Associated findings include orthostatic hypotension, apathy, lethargy, fatigue, gross muscle weakness, anorexia, nausea, profound thirst, dizziness, sunken eyeballs, poor skin turgor, and dry mucous membranes.
Pyelonephritis (acute)
Accompanying the sudden onset of oliguria in this disorder are high fever with chills, fatigue, flank pain, CVA tenderness, weakness, nocturia, dysuria, hematuria, urinary frequency and urgency, and tenesmus. The urine may appear cloudy. Occasionally, the patient also experiences anorexia, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Renal artery occlusion (bilateral)
This disorder may produce oliguria or, more commonly, anuria. Other features include severe, constant upper abdominal and flank pain, nausea and vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. The patient also develops a fever 1 to 2 days after the occlusion, as well as diastolic hypertension.
Renal failure (chronic)
Oliguria is a major sign of end-stage chronic renal failure. Associated findings reflect progressive uremia and include fatigue, weakness, irritability, uremic fetor, ecchymoses and petechiae, peripheral edema, elevated blood pressure, confusion, emotional lability, drowsiness, coarse muscle twitching, muscle cramps, peripheral neuropathies, anorexia, metallic taste in the mouth, nausea and vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, stomatitis, pruritus, pallor, and yellow- or bronze-tinged skin. Eventually, seizures, coma, and uremic frost may develop.
Renal vein occlusion (bilateral)
This disorder occasionally causes oliguria accompanied by acute low back and flank pain, CVA tenderness, fever, pallor, hematuria, enlarged and palpable kidneys, edema and, possibly, signs of uremia.
Retroperitoneal fibrosis
Oliguria may result from bilateral ureteral obstruction by dense fibrous tissue. Other effects include hematuria, diffuse low back pain, anorexia, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, malaise, low-grade fever, and elevated blood pressure.
Sepsis
Any condition that results in sepsis may produce oliguria, along with fever, chills, restlessness, confusion, diaphoresis, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, pallor, hypotension, and tachycardia. The patient may exhibit signs of local infection, such as dysuria and wound drainage. In severe infection, he may develop lactic acidosis marked by Kussmaul’s respirations.
Toxemia of pregnancy
In severe preeclampsia, oliguria may be accompanied by elevated blood pressure, dizziness, diplopia, blurred vision, epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting, irritability, and severe frontal headache. Typically, the oliguria is preceded by generalized edema and sudden weight gain of more than 3 lb (1.4 kg) per week during the second trimester, or more than 1 lb (0.5 kg) per week during the third trimester. If preeclampsia progresses to eclampsia, the patient develops seizures and may slip into coma.
Urethral stricture
This disorder produces oliguria accompanied by chronic urethral discharge, urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, pyuria, and diminished urine stream. As obstruction worsens, urine extravasation may lead to formation of urinomas and urosepsis.
Other causes
Diagnostic studies
Radiographic studies that use contrast media may cause nephrotoxicity and oliguria.
Drugs
Oliguria may result from drugs that cause decreased renal perfusion (diuretics), nephrotoxicity (most notably, aminoglycosides and chemotherapeutic drugs), urine retention (adrenergics and anticholinergics), or urinary obstruction associated with precipitation of urinary crystals (sulfonamides and acyclovir).
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Polyuria:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Acute tubular necrosis
During the diuretic phase of this disorder, polyuria of less than 8 L/day gradually subsides after 8 to 10 days. Urine specific gravity (1.010 or less) increases as polyuria subsides. Related findings include weight loss, decreasing edema, and nocturia.
Diabetes insipidus
Polyuria of about 5 L/day with a specific gravity of 1.005 or less is common, although extreme polyuria—up to 30 L/day—occasionally occurs. Polyuria is commonly accompanied by polydipsia, nocturia, fatigue, and signs of dehydration, such as poor skin turgor and dry mucous membranes.
Diabetes mellitus
With this disorder, polyuria seldom exceeds 5 L/day, and urine specific gravity typically exceeds 1.020. The patient usually reports polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, weakness, frequent urinary tract infections and yeast vaginitis, fatigue, and nocturia. The patient may also display signs of dehydration and anorexia.
Glomerulonephritis (chronic)
Polyuria gradually progresses to oliguria with this disorder. Urine output is usually less than 4 L/day; specific gravity is about 1.010. Related GI findings include anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. The patient may experience drowsiness, fatigue, edema, headache, elevated blood pressure, and dyspnea. Nocturia, hematuria, frothy or malodorous urine, and mild to severe proteinuria may occur.
Hypercalcemia
Elevated plasma calcium levels may lead to nephropathy, usually producing polyuria of less than 5 L/day with a specific gravity of about 1.010. Accompanying signs and symptoms include polydipsia, nocturia, constipation, paresthesia and, occasionally, hematuria, and pyuria. With severe hypercalcemia, the patient’s condition worsens rapidly and he experiences anorexia, vomiting, stupor progressing to coma, and renal failure.
Hypokalemia
Prolonged potassium depletion may lead to nephropathy, which results in polyuria—usually less than 5 L/day with a specific gravity of about 1.010. Associated findings include polydipsia, circumoral and foot paresthesia, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes, fatigue, hypoactive bowel sounds, nocturia, arrhythmias, and muscle cramping, weakness, or paralysis.
Postobstructive uropathy
After resolution of a urinary tract obstruction, polyuria—usually more than 5 L/day with a specific gravity of less than 1.010—occurs for up to several days before gradually subsiding. Bladder distention and edema may occur with nocturia and weight loss. Occasionally, signs of dehydration appear.
Psychogenic polydipsia
Most common in those older than age 30, this disorder usually produces dilute polyuria of 3 to 15 L/day, depending on fluid intake. The patient may appear depressed and have a headache and blurred vision. Weight gain, edema, elevated blood pressure and, occasionally, stupor or coma may develop. With severe overhydration, signs of heart failure may present.
Pyelonephritis
Acute pyelonephritis usually results in polyuria of less than 5 L/day with a low but variable specific gravity. Other findings include persistent high fever, flank pain (usually unilateral), hematuria, costovertebral angle tenderness, chills, weakness, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, tenesmus, and nocturia. Occasionally, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds occur.
Chronic pyelonephritis produces polyuria of less than 5 L/day that declines as renal function worsens. Urine specific gravity is usually about 1.010 but may be higher if proteinuria is present. Other effects include irritability, paresthesia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, anorexia, pyuria and, in late stages, elevated blood pressure.
Sheehan’s syndrome
This syndrome of postpartum pituitary necrosis may cause polyuria of over 5 L/day with a specific gravity of 1.001 to 1.005. Associated findings include polydipsia, nocturia, and fatigue. Reproductive effects include failure to lactate, amenorrhea, decreased pubic and axillary hair growth, and reduced libido.
Sickle cell anemia
This disorder may cause nephropathy, typically producing polyuria of less than 5 L/day with a specific gravity of about 1.020. Additional findings include polydipsia, fatigue, abdominal cramps, arthralgia, priapism and, occasionally, leg ulcers, and bony deformities.
Other causes
Diagnostic tests
Transient polyuria can result from radiographic tests that use contrast media.
Drugs
Diuretics characteristically produce polyuria. Cardiotonics, vitamin D, demeclocycline, phenytoin, lithium, and propoxyphene can also produce polyuria.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Urinary frequency:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Anxiety neurosis
Morbid anxiety produces urinary frequency and other types of genitourinary dysfunction, such as dysuria, impotence, and frigidity. Other findings may include headache, diaphoresis, hyperventilation, palpitations, muscle spasm, generalized motor weakness, dizziness, polyphagia, and constipation or other GI complaints.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Prostatic enlargement causes urinary frequency along with nocturia and possibly incontinence and hematuria. Initial effects are those of prostatism: reduced caliber and force of the urine stream, urinary hesitancy and tenesmus, inability to stop the urine stream, a feeling of incomplete voiding, and occasionally urine retention. Assessment reveals bladder distention.
Bladder calculus
Bladder irritation from a calculus may lead to urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, terminal hematuria, and suprapubic pain from bladder spasms. If the calculus lodges in the bladder neck, the patient may have overflow incontinence and referred pain to the lower back or heel.
Bladder cancer
Urinary frequency, urgency, dribbling, and nocturia may develop from bladder irritation. The first sign of bladder cancer commonly is intermittent gross, painless hematuria (often with clots). Patients with invasive lesions commonly have suprapubic or pelvic pain from bladder spasms.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence are common urologic findings in patients with MS, but these effects widely vary and tend to wax and wane. Visual problems (such as diplopia and blurred vision) and sensory impairment (such as paresthesia) are usually the earliest symptoms. Other findings may include constipation, muscle weakness, paralysis, spasticity, hyperreflexia, intention tremor, ataxic gait, dysarthria, impotence, and emotional lability.
Prostate cancer
In advanced prostate cancer, urinary frequency may occur along with hesitancy, dribbling, nocturia, dysuria, bladder distention, perineal pain, constipation, and a hard, irregularly shaped prostate.
Prostatitis
Acute prostatitis commonly produces urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, nocturia, and a purulent urethral discharge. Other findings include fever, chills, low back pain, myalgia, arthralgia, and perineal fullness. The prostate may be tense, boggy, tender, and warm. Prostate massage to obtain prostatic fluid is contraindicated. Signs and symptoms of chronic prostatitis are usually the same as those of the acute form, but to a lesser degree. The patient may also experience pain on ejaculation.
Rectal tumor
The pressure that this tumor exerts on the bladder may cause urinary frequency. Early findings include altered bowel elimination habits, commonly starting with an urgent need to defecate on arising or obstipation alternating with diarrhea; blood or mucus in the stool; and a sense of incomplete evacuation.
Reiter’s syndrome
In this self-limiting syndrome, urinary frequency and other symptoms of acute urethritis occur 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Other symptoms of Reiter’s syndrome include asymmetrical arthritis of the knees, ankles, and metatarsophalangeal joints; unilateral or bilateral conjunctivitis; and small painless ulcers on the mouth, tongue, glans penis, palms, and soles.
Reproductive tract tumor
A tumor in the female reproductive tract may compress the bladder, causing urinary frequency. Other findings vary but may include abdominal distention, menstrual disturbances, vaginal bleeding, weight loss, pelvic pain, and fatigue.
Spinal cord lesion
Incomplete cord transection results in urinary frequency, continuous overflow, dribbling, urgency when voluntary control of sphincter function weakens, urinary hesitancy, and bladder distention. Other effects occur below the level of the lesion and include weakness, paralysis, sensory disturbances, hyperreflexia, and impotence.
Urethral stricture
Bladder decompensation produces urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia. Early signs include hesitancy, tenesmus, and reduced caliber and force of the urine stream. Eventually, overflow incontinence, urinoma, and urosepsis may develop.
UTI
Affecting the urethra, the bladder, or the kidneys, this common cause of urinary frequency may also produce urgency, dysuria, hematuria, cloudy urine and, in males, a urethral discharge. The patient may report a fever and bladder spasms or a feeling of warmth during urination. Women may experience suprapubic or pelvic pain. In young adult males, a UTI is usually related to sexual contact.
Other causes
Diuretics
These substances, which include caffeine, reduce the body’s total volume of water and salt by increasing urine excretion. Excessive intake of coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages leads to urinary frequency.
Treatments
Radiation therapy may cause bladder inflammation, leading to urinary frequency.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Urinary hesitancy:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Signs and symptoms of this disorder depend on the extent of prostatic enlargement and the lobes affected. Characteristic early findings include urinary hesitancy, reduced caliber and force of the urine stream, perineal pain, a feeling of incomplete voiding, inability to stop the urine stream, and occasionally urine retention. As the obstruction increases, the patient may develop urinary frequency, nocturia, urinary overflow, incontinence, bladder distention and, possibly, hematuria.
Prostate cancer
In advanced cancer, urinary hesitancy may occur along with frequency, dribbling, nocturia, dysuria, bladder distention, perineal pain, and constipation. Digital rectal examination commonly reveals a hard, nodular prostate.
Spinal cord lesion
A lesion below the micturition center that has destroyed the sacral nerve roots causes urinary hesitancy, tenesmus, and constant dribbling from urine retention and overflow incontinence. Associated findings are urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, and nocturia.
Urethral stricture
Partial obstruction of the lower urinary tract secondary to trauma or infection produces urinary hesitancy, tenesmus, and decreased force and caliber of the urine stream. Urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, and eventually overflow incontinence may develop. Pyuria usually indicates accompanying infection. Increased obstruction may lead to urine extravasation and formation of urinomas.
UTI
Urinary hesitancy may be associated with UTIs. Characteristic urinary changes include frequency, dysuria, nocturia, cloudy urine and, possibly, hematuria. Associated findings include bladder spasms; costovertebral angle tenderness; suprapubic, low back, pelvic, or flank pain; urethral discharge in males; fever; chills; malaise; nausea; and vomiting.
Other causes
Drugs
Anticholinergics and drugs with anticholinergic properties (such as tricyclic antidepressants and some nasal decongestants and cold remedies) may cause urinary hesitancy. Hesitancy also may occur in patients recovering from general anesthesia.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Urinary incontinence:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Overflow incontinence is common in this disorder as a result of urethral obstruction and urine retention. BPH begins with a group of signs and symptoms known as prostatism: reduced caliber and force of the urine stream, urinary hesitancy, and a feeling of incomplete voiding. As the obstruction increases, the patient may develop urinary frequency, nocturia and, possibly, hematuria. Examination reveals bladder distention and an enlarged prostate.
Bladder calculus
Overflow incontinence may occur if the calculus lodges in the bladder neck. Associated findings vary but may include those of an irritable bladder: urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, hematuria, and suprapubic pain from bladder spasms. Pelvic pain may be referred to the tip of the penis, vulva, low back, or heel and may be exacerbated by movement.
Bladder cancer
Urge incontinence and hematuria are common findings in bladder cancer; obstruction by a tumor may produce overflow incontinence. The early stages can be asymptomatic. Other urinary signs and symptoms include frequency, dysuria, nocturia, dribbling, and suprapubic pain from bladder spasms after voiding. A mass may be palpable on bimanual examination.
Diabetic neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy may cause painless bladder distention with overflow incontinence. Related findings include episodic constipation or diarrhea (which is commonly nocturnal), impotence and retrograde ejaculation, orthostatic hypotension, syncope, and dysphagia.
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Urinary incontinence may occur early in this disorder as a result of peripheral and autonomic nerve dysfunction. The cardinal sign is progressive, profound muscle weakness, which typically starts in the legs and extends to the arms and facial nerves within 24 to 72 hours. Associated findings include paresthesia, dysarthria, nasal speech, dysphagia, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, fecal incontinence, diaphoresis, drooling, and pain in the shoulders, thighs, or lumbar region.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency are common urologic findings in MS. Visual problems and sensory impairment are usually the first symptoms. Other findings include constipation, muscle weakness, paralysis, spasticity, hyperreflexia, intention tremor, ataxic gait, dysarthria, impotence, and emotional lability.
Prostate cancer
Urinary incontinence usually occurs only in the advanced stages of prostate cancer. Urinary frequency and hesitancy, nocturia, dysuria, bladder distention, perineal pain, constipation, and a hard, irregularly shaped, nodular prostate are other common late findings.
Prostatitis (chronic)
Urinary incontinence may occur as a result of urethral obstruction from an enlarged prostate. Other findings include urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, hematuria, bladder distention, a persistent urethral discharge, dull perineal pain that may radiate to other areas, ejaculatory pain, and decreased libido.
Spinal cord injury
Complete cord transection above the sacral level causes flaccid paralysis of the bladder. Overflow incontinence follows rapid bladder distention. Other findings include paraplegia, sexual dysfunction, sensory loss, muscle atrophy, anhidrosis, and loss of reflexes distal to the injury.
Stroke
Urinary incontinence may be transient or permanent in a stroke patient. Associated findings reflect the site and extent of the lesion and may include impaired mentation, emotional lability, behavioral changes, altered level of consciousness, and seizures. Sensorimotor effects may include contralateral hemiplegia, dysarthria, dysphagia, ataxia, apraxia, agnosia, aphasia, and unilateral sensory loss. Headache, vomiting, visual deficits, and decreased visual acuity may also occur.
Urethral stricture
Partial obstruction of the lower urinary tract due to trauma or infection produces urinary hesitancy, tenesmus, and decreased force and caliber of the urine stream. Urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, and eventually overflow incontinence may also occur. As the obstruction increases, urine extravasation may lead to formation of urinomas and urosepsis.
UTI
Besides incontinence, a UTI may produce urinary urgency, dysuria, hematuria, cloudy urine and, in males, a urethral discharge. Bladder spasms or a feeling of warmth during urination may occur.
Other causes
Surgery
Urinary incontinence may occur after prostatectomy as a result of urethral sphincter damage.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Urinary urgency:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
ALS occasionally produces urinary urgency. More common findings include muscle weakness, cramping, atrophy, and coarse fasciculations in the forearms and hands. Brain stem involvement causes difficulty speaking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing. Cognitive function is usually unaffected.
Bladder calculus
Bladder irritation can lead to urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, terminal hematuria, and suprapubic pain from bladder spasms. Pain may be referred to the penis, vulva, lower back, or heel.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence are common urologic findings in MS. Like other symptoms of MS, these effects may wax and wane. Visual and sensory impairments are usually the earliest findings. Others include constipation, muscle weakness, paralysis, spasticity, intention tremor, hyperreflexia, ataxic gait, dysphagia, dysarthria, impotence, and emotional lability.
Reiter’s syndrome
In this self-limiting syndrome that primarily affects males, urinary urgency and other symptoms of acute urethritis occur 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Other symptoms include asymmetrical arthritis of the knees, ankles, or metatarsal phalangeal joints; conjunctivitis in one or both eyes; and ulcers on the penis, mouth, tongue, palms, or soles.
Spinal cord lesion
Urinary urgency can result from incomplete cord transection when voluntary control of sphincter function weakens. Urinary frequency, difficulty initiating and inhibiting a urine stream, and bladder distention and discomfort may also occur. Neuromuscular effects distal to the lesion include weakness, paralysis, hyperreflexia, sensory disturbances, and impotence.
Urethral stricture
Bladder decompensation produces urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia. Early signs and symptoms include hesitancy, tenesmus, and reduced caliber and force of the urine stream. Eventually, overflow incontinence may occur.
UTI
Urinary urgency is commonly associated with UTIs. Other characteristic urinary changes include frequency, hematuria, dysuria, nocturia, cloudy urine, and sometimes urinary hesitancy. Associated findings include bladder spasms; costovertebral angle tenderness; suprapubic, low back, or flank pain; urethral discharge in males; fever; chills; malaise; nausea; and vomiting.
Other causes
Treatments
Radiation therapy may irritate and inflame the bladder, causing urinary urgency.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Urine cloudiness:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
UTI
Cloudy urine is common in UTIs. Other urinary findings include urgency, frequency, hesitancy, hematuria, dysuria, nocturia and, in males, a urethral discharge. Other effects include fever, chills, malaise, nausea and vomiting, bladder spasms, costovertebral angle tenderness, and suprapubic, low back, or flank pain.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Dysuria:
Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
❑ Lower urinary tract infection
❑ Acute pyelonephritis
❑ Urethritis
❑ Vaginitis
❑ Acute prostatitis
❑ Urethral calculus
❑ Reiter syndrome
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Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
Polyuria:
Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
❑ Urinary tract infection
❑ Diabetes mellitus
❑ Diuretic therapy
❑ Bladder outlet obstruction
❑ Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
❑ Central diabetes insipidus
❑ Primary polydipsia
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Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
Proteinuria:
Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
❑ Diabetes
❑ Drugs/toxins
❑ Acute tubular necrosis
❑ Glomerulonephritis
❑ Orthostatic
❑ Systemic lupus erythematosus
❑ Toxemia
❑ Polycystic kidneys
❑ Interstitial nephritis
❑ Renal vein thrombosis
❑ Multiple myeloma
❑ Amyloidosis
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Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
Urinary Incontinence:
Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
❑ Cystitis
❑ Benign prostatic hypertrophy
❑ Pelvic floor relaxation
❑ Drugs
❑ Prostatitis
❑ Diabetes
❑ Cough
❑ Multiple sclerosis
❑ Spinal cord compression
❑ Decreased cortical inhibition
❑ Vesicovaginal fistula
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Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
Anuria/Oliguria:
Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
❑ Acute tubular necrosis
❑ Prerenal azotemia
❑ Tubular toxins
❑ Bladder outlet obstruction
❑ Bilateral renal artery occlusion
❑ Nephrosclerosis
❑ Acute glomerulonephritis
❑ Interstitial nephritis
❑ Renal artery thrombosis
❑ Renal vein thrombosis
❑ Ureteral calculus with a solitary kidney
❑ Pelvic tumor
❑ Retroperitoneal fibrosis
❑ Infiltrative renal disease
❑ Vasculitis
❑ Rhabdomyolysis
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Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
Urinary tract infection, lower:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
Most lower UTIs result from ascending infection by a single gram-negative enteric bacterium, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, or Serratia. However, in a patient with neurogenic bladder, an indwelling urinary catheter, or a fistula between the intestine and bladder, lower UTI may result from simultaneous infection with multiple pathogens.
Infection may result from a breakdown in local defense mechanisms in the bladder that allow bacteria to invade the bladder mucosa and multiply. These bacteria cannot be readily eliminated by normal micturition.
The risk of cystitis is higher when the bladder or urethra becomes blocked and urine flow stops. It can occur when instruments are inserted into the urinary tract during procedures such as catheterization or cystoscopy. Other risks include pregnancy, diabetes, and a history of analgesic or reflux nephropathy. The elderly are at increased risk for developing UTIs due to incomplete emptying of the bladder; this is associated with conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and urethral strictures. Also, lack of adequate fluids, bowel incontinence, immobility or decreased mobility, indwelling urinary catheters, and placement in a nursing home all place the person at risk for developing an infection.
Bacterial flare-up
During treatment, bacterial flare-up is generally caused by the pathogenic organism’s resistance to the prescribed antimicrobial therapy. The presence of even a small number (less than 10,000/ml) of bacteria in a midstream urine sample obtained during treatment casts doubt on the treatment’s effectiveness.
Recurrent UTI
In 99% of patients, recurrent lower UTI results from reinfection by the same organism or from some new pathogen; in the remaining 1%, recurrence reflects persistent infection, usually from renal calculi, chronic bacterial prostatitis, or a structural anomaly that may become a source of infection.
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Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Dysuria:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Appendicitis
Occasionally, appendicitis causes dysuria that persists throughout voiding and is accompanied by bladder tenderness. Appendicitis is characterized by periumbilical abdominal pain that shifts to McBurney’s point, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, slight fever, abdominal rigidity and rebound tenderness, and tachycardia.
Bladder cancer
In bladder cancer, a predominantly male disorder, dysuria throughout voiding is a late symptom associated with urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, and perineal, back, or flank pain.
CULTURAL CUE:Bladder cancer is twice as common in White males as in Black males. It’s relatively uncommon in Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans.
Cystitis
Dysuria throughout voiding is common in all types of cystitis, as are urinary frequency, nocturia, straining to void, and hematuria. Bacterial cystitis, the most common cause of dysuria in women, may also produce urinary urgency, perineal and lower back pain, suprapubic discomfort, fatigue and, possibly, low-grade fever. With chronic interstitial cystitis, dysuria is accentuated at the end of voiding. In tubercular cystitis, symptoms may also include urinary urgency, flank pain, fatigue, and anorexia. With viral cystitis, severe dysuria occurs with gross hematuria, urinary urgency, and fever.
Diverticulitis
Inflammation near the bladder may cause dysuria throughout voiding. Other effects include urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, fever, abdominal pain and tenderness, perineal pain, constipation or diarrhea and, possibly, an abdominal mass.
Paraurethral gland inflammation
Dysuria throughout voiding occurs with urinary frequency and urgency, diminished urine stream, mild perineal pain and, occasionally, hematuria.
Prostatitis
Acute prostatitis commonly causes dysuria throughout or toward the end of voiding. Dysuria may be accompanied by a diminished urine stream, urinary frequency and urgency, hematuria, suprapubic fullness, fever, chills, fatigue, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
With chronic prostatitis, urethral narrowing causes dysuria throughout voiding. Related effects include urinary frequency and urgency; diminished urine stream; perineal, back, and buttocks pain; urethral discharge; nocturia; and, at times, hematospermia and ejaculatory pain.
Pyelonephritis (acute)
More common in females, acute pyelonephritis causes dysuria throughout voiding. Other features include persistent high fever with chills, costovertebral angle tenderness, unilateral or bilateral flank pain, weakness, urinary urgency and frequency, nocturia, straining on urination, and hematuria. Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia may also occur.
Reiter’s syndrome
With Reiter’s syndrome, a predominantly male disorder, dysuria occurs 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Initially, the patient has a mucopurulent discharge, urinary urgency and frequency, meatal swelling and redness, suprapubic pain, anorexia, weight loss, and low-grade fever. Hematuria, conjunctivitis, arthritic symptoms, a papular rash, and oral and penile lesions may follow.
Urethral syndrome
Occurring in sexually active women, urethral syndrome mimics urethritis. Dysuria throughout voiding may occur with urinary frequency, diminished urine stream, suprapubic aching and cramping, tenesmus, and lower back and unilateral flank pain. In the absence of pyuria, symptoms usually resolve without intervention.
Urethritis
Primarily found in sexually active males, urethritis causes dysuria throughout voiding. It’s accompanied by a reddened meatus and copious, yellow, purulent discharge (gonorrheal infection) or white or clear mucoid discharge (nongonorrheal infection).
Urinary obstruction
Outflow obstruction by urethral strictures or calculi produces dysuria throughout voiding. (With complete obstruction, bladder distention develops and dysuria precedes voiding.) Other features include diminished urine stream, urinary frequency and urgency, and a sensation of fullness or bloating in the lower abdomen or groin.
Vaginitis
Characteristically, dysuria occurs throughout voiding as urine touches inflamed or ulcerated labia. Other findings include urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, perineal pain, and vaginal discharge and odor.
Other causes
Chemical irritants
Dysuria may be caused by contact with irritating substances, such as bubble bath salts and feminine deodorants; it’s usually most intense at the end of voiding. Spermicides may cause dysuria in both sexes. Other findings include urinary frequency and urgency, a diminished urine stream and, possibly, hematuria.
Drugs
Dysuria can result from monoamine oxidase inhibitor use. Metyrosine can also cause transient dysuria.
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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Oliguria:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Acute tubular necrosis
An early sign of acute tubular necrosis, oliguria may occur abruptly (in shock) or gradually (in nephrotoxicity). Usually, it persists for about 2 weeks, followed by polyuria. Related features include signs of hyperkalemia (muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias), uremia (anorexia, confusion, lethargy, twitching, seizures, pruritus, and Kussmaul’s respirations), and heart failure (edema, jugular vein distention, crackles, and dyspnea).
Calculi
Oliguria or anuria may result from calculi lodging in the kidneys, ureters, bladder outlet, or urethra. Associated signs and symptoms include urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, and hematuria or pyuria. Usually, the patient experiences renal colic — excruciating pain that radiates from the CVA to the flank, the suprapubic region, and the external genitalia. This pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, hypoactive bowel sounds, abdominal distention and, occasionally, fever and chills.
Glomerulonephritis (acute)
Acute glomerulonephritis produces oliguria or anuria. Other features are mild fever, fatigue, gross hematuria, proteinuria, generalized edema, elevated blood pressure, headache, nausea and vomiting, flank and abdominal pain, and signs of pulmonary congestion (dyspnea and productive cough).
Heart failure
Oliguria may occur in left-sided heart failure as a result of low cardiac output and decreased renal perfusion. Accompanying signs and symptoms include dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, peripheral edema, distended jugular veins, tachycardia, tachypnea, crackles, and a dry or productive cough. In advanced heart failure, the patient may also develop orthopnea, cyanosis, clubbing, ventricular gallop, diastolic hypertension, cardiomegaly, and hemoptysis.
Hypovolemia
Any disorder that decreases circulating fluid volume can produce oliguria. Associated findings in hypovolemia include orthostatic hypotension, apathy, lethargy, fatigue, gross muscle weakness, anorexia, nausea, profound thirst, dizziness, sunken eyeballs, poor skin turgor, and dry mucous membranes.
Pyelonephritis (acute)
Accompanying the sudden onset of oliguria in acute pyelonephritis are high fever with chills, fatigue, flank pain, CVA tenderness, weakness, nocturia, dysuria, hematuria, urinary frequency and urgency, and tenesmus. The urine may appear cloudy. Occasionally, the patient with acute pyelonephritis also experiences anorexia, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Renal artery occlusion (bilateral)
Renal artery occlusion may produce oliguria or, more commonly, anuria. Other features include severe, constant upper abdominal and flank pain, nausea and vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. The patient also develops a fever 1 to 2 days after the occlusion, as well as diastolic hypertension.
Renal failure (chronic)
Oliguria is a major sign of end-stage chronic renal failure. Associated findings reflect progressive uremia and include fatigue, weakness, irritability, uremic fetor, ecchymoses and petechiae, peripheral edema, elevated blood pressure, confusion, emotional lability, drowsiness, coarse muscle twitching, muscle cramps, peripheral neuropathies, anorexia, metallic taste in the mouth, nausea and vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, stomatitis, pruritus, pallor, and yellow- or bronze-tinged skin. Eventually, seizures, coma, and uremic frost may develop.
Renal vein occlusion (bilateral)
Renal vein occlusion occasionally causes oliguria accompanied by acute low back and flank pain, CVA tenderness, fever, pallor, hematuria, enlarged and palpable kidneys, edema and, possibly, signs of uremia.
Sepsis
Any condition that results in sepsis may produce oliguria, along with fever, chills, restlessness, confusion, diaphoresis, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, pallor, hypotension, and tachycardia. The patient may exhibit signs of local infection, such as dysuria and wound drainage. In severe infection, he may develop lactic acidosis marked by Kussmaul’s respirations.
Toxemia of pregnancy
In severe preeclampsia, oliguria may be accompanied by elevated blood pressure, dizziness, diplopia, blurred vision, epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting, irritability, and severe frontal headache. Typically, the oliguria is preceded by generalized edema and sudden weight gain of more than 3 lb (1.4 kg) per week during the second trimester or more than 1 lb (0.5 kg) per week during the third trimester. If preeclampsia progresses to eclampsia, the patient develops seizures and may slip into coma.
Urethral stricture
Urethral stricture produces oliguria accompanied by chronic urethral discharge, urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, pyuria, and diminished urine stream. As obstruction worsens, urine extravasation may lead to formation of urinomas and urosepsis.
Other causes
Diagnostic studies
Radiographic studies that use contrast media may cause nephrotoxicity and oliguria.
Drugs
Oliguria may result from drugs that cause decreased renal perfusion (diuretics), nephrotoxicity (most notably, aminoglycosides and chemotherapeutic drugs), urine retention (adrenergics and anticholinergics), or urinary obstruction associated with precipitation of urinary crystals (sulfonamides and acyclovir).
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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Polyuria:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Acute tubular necrosis
During the diuretic phase of acute tubular necrosis, polyuria of less than 8 L/day gradually subsides after 8 to 10 days. Urine specific gravity (1.010 or less) increases as polyuria subsides. Related findings include weight loss, decreasing edema, and nocturia.
Diabetes insipidus
With diabetes insipidus, polyuria of about 5 L/day with a specific gravity of 1.005 or less is common, although extreme polyuria — up to 30 L/day — occasionally occurs. Polyuria is commonly accompanied by polydipsia, nocturia, fatigue, and signs of dehydration, such as poor skin turgor and dry mucous membranes.
Diabetes mellitus
With diabetes mellitus, polyuria seldom exceeds 5 L/day, and urine specific gravity typically exceeds 1.020. The patient usually reports polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, weakness, frequent urinary tract infections and yeast vaginitis, fatigue, and nocturia. The patient may also display signs of dehydration and anorexia.
Glomerulonephritis (chronic)
Polyuria gradually progresses to oliguria with chronic glomerulonephritis. Urine output is usually less than 4 L/day; specific gravity is about 1.010. Related GI findings include anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. The patient may experience drowsiness,fatigue, edema, headache, elevated blood pressure, and dyspnea. Nocturia, hematuria, frothy or malodorous urine, and mild to severe proteinuria may also occur.
Hypercalcemia
Elevated plasma calcium levels may lead to nephropathy, usually producing polyuria of less than 5 L/day with a specific gravity of about 1.010. Accompanying signs and symptoms include polydipsia, nocturia, constipation, paresthesia and, occasionally, hematuria, and pyuria. With severe hypercalcemia, the patient’s condition worsens rapidly and he experiences anorexia, vomiting, stupor progressing to coma, and renal failure.
Hypokalemia
Prolonged potassium depletion may lead to nephropathy, which results in polyuria — usually less than 5 L/day with a specific gravity of about 1.010. Associated findings include polydipsia, circumoral and foot paresthesia, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes, fatigue, hypoactive bowel sounds, nocturia, arrhythmias, and muscle cramping, weakness, or paralysis.
Postobstructive uropathy
After resolution of a urinary tract obstruction, polyuria — usually more than 5 L/day with a specific gravity of less than 1.010 — occurs for up to several days before gradually subsiding. Bladder distention and edema may occur with nocturia and weight loss. Occasionally, signs of dehydration appear.
Pyelonephritis
Acute pyelonephritis usually results in polyuria of less than 5 L/day with a low but variable specific gravity. Other findings include persistent high fever, flank pain (usually unilateral), hematuria, costovertebral angle tenderness, chills, weakness, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, tenesmus, and nocturia. Occasionally, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds occur.
Chronic pyelonephritis produces polyuria of less than 5 L/day that declines as renal function worsens. Urine specific gravity is usually about 1.010 but may be higher if proteinuria is present. Other effects include irritability, paresthesia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, anorexia, pyuria and, in late stages, elevated blood pressure.
Sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell anemia may cause nephropathy, typically producing polyuria of less than 5 L/day with a specific gravity of about 1.020. Additional findings include polydipsia, fatigue, abdominal cramps, arthralgia, priapism and, occasionally, leg ulcers and bony deformities.
Other causes
Diagnostic tests
Transient polyuria can result from radiographic tests that use contrast media.
Drugs
Diuretics characteristically produce polyuria. Cardiotonics, vitamin D, demeclocycline, phenytoin, lithium, methoxyflurane, and propoxyphene can also produce polyuria.
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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Urinary frequency:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
With benign prostatis hyperplasia (BPH), prostatic enlargement causes urinary frequency, along with nocturia and possibly incontinence and hematuria. Initial effects are reduced caliber and force of the urine stream, urinary hesitancy and tenesmus, inability to stop the urine stream, a feeling of incomplete voiding, and occasionally urine retention. Assessment reveals bladder distention.
Bladder calculus
Bladder irritation may lead to urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, terminal hematuria, and suprapubic pain from bladder spasms. The patient may have overflow incontinence if the calculus lodges in the bladder neck. Greatest discomfort usually occurs at the end of micturition if the stone lodges in the bladder neck. This may also cause overflow incontinence and referred pain to the lower back or heel.
Bladder cancer
Urinary frequency, urgency, dribbling, and nocturia may develop from bladder irritation; however, the first sign of bladder cancer commonly is gross, painless, intermittent hematuria (usually with clots). Patients with invasive lesions commonly have suprapubic or pelvic pain from bladder spasms.
Multiple sclerosis
Urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence are common urologic findings in patients with multiple sclerosis. Typically, visual problems (such as diplopia and blurred vision) and sensory impairment (such as paresthesia) are the earliest symptoms. Other findings may include constipation, muscle weakness, paralysis, spasticity, hyperreflexia, intention tremor, ataxic gait, dysarthria, impotence, and emotional lability.
Prostate cancer
In advanced stages of prostate cancer, urinary frequency may occur, along with hesitancy, dribbling, nocturia, dysuria, bladder distention, perineal pain, constipation, and a hard, irregularly shaped prostate.
Prostatitis
Acute prostatitis commonly produces urinary frequency, along with urgency, dysuria, nocturia, and purulent urethral discharge. Other findings include fever, chills, low back pain, myalgia, arthralgia, and perineal fullness. The prostate may be tense, boggy, tender, and warm. Signs and symptoms of chronic prostatitis are usually the same as those of the acute form, but to a lesser degree. The patient may also experience pain on ejaculation.
Rectal tumor
The pressure exerted by a rectal tumor on the bladder may cause urinary frequency. Early findings include changed bowel habits, commonly starting with an urgent need to defecate on arising or obstipation alternating with diarrhea; blood or mucus in the stool; and a sense of incomplete evacuation.
Reiter’s syndrome
Reiter’s syndrome is a self-limiting syndrome in which urinary frequency occurs with symptoms of acute urethritis 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Other symptoms include asymmetrical arthritis of knees, ankles, and metatarsophalangeal joints; unilateral or bilateral conjunctivitis; and small painless ulcers on the mouth, tongue, glans penis, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet.
Reproductive tract tumor
A tumor in the female reproductive tract may compress the bladder, causing urinary frequency. Other findings vary but may include abdominal distention, menstrual disturbances, vaginal bleeding, weight loss, pelvic pain, and fatigue.
Spinal cord lesion
Incomplete spinal cord transection results in urinary frequency, continuous overflow, dribbling, urgency when voluntary control of sphincter function weakens, urinary hesitancy, and bladder distention. Other effects occur below the level of the lesion and include weakness, paralysis, sensory disturbances, hyperreflexia, and impotence.
Urethral stricture
Bladder decompensation produces urinary frequency, along with urgency and nocturia. Early signs include hesitancy, tenesmus, and reduced caliber and force of the urine stream. Eventually, overflow incontinence may occur. Urinoma and urosepsis may develop.
Urinary tract infection
UTI is a common cause of urinary frequency. It may also produce urgency, dysuria, hematuria, cloudy urine and, in males, urethral discharge. The patient may report bladder spasms or a feeling of warmth during urination and a fever.
Other causes
Diuretics
Diuretics, which include caffeine, reduce the body’s total volume of water and salt by increasing urine excretion. Excessive intake of coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages leads to urinary frequency.
Treatments
Radiation therapy may cause bladder inflammation, leading to urinary frequency.
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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Urinary hesitancy:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Characteristic early findings of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) include urinary hesitancy, reduced caliber and force of urine stream, perineal pain, a feeling of incomplete voiding, inability to stop the urine stream and, occasionally, urine retention. As obstruction increases, urination becomes more frequent, with nocturia, urinary overflow, incontinence, bladder distention, and possibly hematuria.
Prostate cancer
In patients with advanced prostate cancer, urinary hesitancy may occur, accompanied by frequency, dribbling, nocturia, dysuria, bladder distention, perineal pain, and constipation. Digital rectal examination commonly reveals a hard, nodular prostate.
Spinal cord lesion
A lesion below the micturition center that has destroyed the sacral nerve roots causes urinary hesitancy, tenesmus, and constant dribbling from retention and overflow incontinence. Associated findings are urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, and nocturia.
Urethral stricture
Partial obstruction of the lower urinary tract produces urinary hesitancy, tenesmus, and decreased force and caliber of the urine stream. Urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, and eventually overflow incontinence may develop. Pyuria usually indicates accompanying infection. Increased obstruction may lead to urine extravasation and formation of urinomas.
Urinary tract infection
Urinary hesitancy may be associated UTI. Characteristic urinary changes include frequency, possible hematuria, dysuria, nocturia, and cloudy urine. Associated findings include bladder spasms; costovertebral angle tenderness; suprapubic, low back, pelvic, or flank pain; urethral discharge in males; fever; chills; malaise; nausea; and vomiting.
Other causes
Drugs
Anticholinergics and drugs with anticholinergic properties (such as tricyclic antidepressants and some nasal decongestants and cold remedies) may cause urinary hesitancy. Urinary hesitancy also may occur in those recovering from general anesthesia.
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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Urinary incontinence:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Overflow incontinence is common with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as a result of urethral obstruction and urine retention. The disorder begins with a group of signs and symptoms known as prostatism: reduced caliber and force of urine stream, urinary hesitancy, and a feeling of incomplete voiding. As obstruction increases, urination becomes more frequent, with nocturia and, possibly, hematuria. Examination reveals bladder distention and an enlarged prostate.
Bladder calculus
Overflow incontinence may occur if the stone lodges in the bladder neck. Associated findings vary but may include those of an irritable bladder: urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, hematuria, and suprapubic pain from bladder spasms. Pelvic pain and pain referred to the tip of the penis, vulva, low back, or heel may occur. Pain may be exacerbated by movement.
Bladder cancer
With bladder cancer, the patient commonly presents with urge incontinence and hematuria; obstruction by a tumor may produce overflow incontinence. Symptoms may be absent during the early stages. Other urinary signs and symptoms include frequency, dysuria, nocturia, dribbling, and suprapubic pain from bladder spasms after voiding. A mass may be palpable on bimanual examination.
Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy may cause painless bladder distention with overflow incontinence. Related findings include episodic constipation or diarrhea (which is commonly nocturnal), impotence and retrograde ejaculation, orthostatic hypotension, syncope, and dysphagia.
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Urinary incontinence may occur early in Guillain-Barré syndrome as a result of peripheral and autonomic nerve dysfunction. The most prominent sign is progressive, profound muscle weakness, which typically starts in the legs and extends to the arms and facial nerves within 24 to 72 hours. Associated findings include paresthesia; dysarthria; nasal speech; dysphagia; orthostatic hypotension; fecal incontinence; diaphoresis; drooling; pain in the shoulders, thighs, or lumbar region; and tachycardia.
Multiple sclerosis
Urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency are common urologic findings in multiple sclerosis. In most patients, vision problems and sensory impairment occur early. Other findings include constipation, muscle weakness, paralysis, spasticity, hyperreflexia, intention tremor, ataxic gait, dysarthria, impotence, and emotional lability.
Prostate cancer
Urinary incontinence usually appears only in the advanced stages of prostate cancer. Urinary frequency and hesitancy, nocturia, dysuria, bladder distention, perineal pain, constipation, and a hard, irregularly shaped, nodular prostate are other common late findings.
Prostatitis (chronic)
Urinary incontinence may occur as a result of urethral obstruction from an enlarged prostate. Other findings include urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, hematuria, bladder distention, persistent urethral discharge, dull perineal pain that may radiate, ejaculatory pain, and decreased libido.
Spinal cord injury
Complete spinal cord transection above the sacral level causes flaccid paralysis of the bladder. Overflow incontinence follows rapid bladder distention. Other findings include paraplegia, sexual dysfunction, sensory loss, muscle atrophy, anhidrosis, and loss of reflexes distal to the injury.
Stroke
Urinary incontinence may be transient or permanent in stroke patients. Associated findings reflect the site and extent of the lesion and may include impaired mentation, emotional lability, behavioral changes, altered level of consciousness, and seizures. Headache, vomiting, visual deficits, and decreased visual acuity are possible. Sensorimotor effects include contralateral hemiplegia, dysarthria, dysphagia, ataxia, apraxia, agnosia, aphasia, and unilateral sensory loss.
Urethral stricture
Eventually, overflow incontinence may occur with urethral stricture. As obstruction increases, urine extravasation may lead to formation of urinomas and urosepsis.
Urinary tract infection
Besides incontinence, a UTI may produce urinary urgency, dysuria, hematuria, cloudy urine and, in males, urethral discharge. Bladder spasms or a feeling of warmth during urination may occur.
Other causes
Surgery
Urinary incontinence may occur after prostatectomy as a result of urethral sphincter damage.
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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Urinary urgency:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Bladder calculus
Bladder irritation from a calculus can lead to urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, terminal hematuria, and suprapubic pain from bladder spasms. Pain may be referred to the penis, vulva, lower back, or heel.
Multiple sclerosis
Urinary urgency can occur with or without the frequent UTIs that can accompany multiple sclerosis. Commonly, visual and other sensory impairments are the earliest findings. Other findings include urinary frequency, incontinence, constipation, muscle weakness, paralysis, spasticity, intention tremor, hyperreflexia, ataxic gait, dysphagia, dysarthria, impotence, and emotional lability.
Reiter’s syndrome
Reiter’s syndrome is a self-limiting syndrome that primarily affects males. Urgency occurs with other symptoms of acute urethritis 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Arthritic and ocular symptoms and skin lesions usually develop within several weeks after sexual contact. These symptoms include asymmetrical arthritis of knees, ankles, or metatarsal phalangeal joints; conjunctivitis; and ulcers on the penis, or skin, or in the mouth.
Spinal cord lesion
Urinary urgency can result from incomplete spinal cord transection when voluntary control of sphincter function weakens. Urinary frequency, difficulty initiating and inhibiting a urine stream, and bladder distention and discomfort may also occur. Neuromuscular effects distal to the lesion include weakness, paralysis, hyperreflexia, sensory disturbances, and impotence.
Urethral stricture
Bladder decompensation produces urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia. Early signs and symptoms include hesitancy, tenesmus, and reduced caliber and force of the urine stream. Eventually, overflow incontinence may occur.
Urinary tract infection
Urinary urgency is commonly associated with a UTI. Other characteristic urinary changes include frequency, hematuria, dysuria, nocturia, and cloudy urine. Urinary hesitancy may also occur. Associated findings include bladder spasms; costovertebral angle tenderness; suprapubic, low back, or flank pain; urethral discharge in males; fever; chills; malaise; nausea; and vomiting.
Other causes
Treatments
Radiation therapy may irritate and inflame the bladder, causing urinary urgency.
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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Dysuria:
Principal Causes of Dysuria
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
- Urinarytract infection
- Urethritis
- Cystitis
- Pyelonephritis
- Chemical irritation
- Diaper dermatitis
- Trauma
- Psychogenic
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Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006
Proteinuria:
Principal Causes of Proteinuria
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
- Functional/transientproteinuria
- Fever
- Strenuous exercise
- Extreme cold
- Cardiac failure
- Seizures
- Emotional stress
- Postural proteinuria (orthostatic)
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Tubulointerstitial disease
- Refluxnephropathy
- Tubulointerstitial nephritis
- Fanconi syndrome
- Ischemic tubular injury
- Benign persistent proteinuria
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Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006
Urinary Incontinence:
Principal Causes of Urinary Incontinence
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
- Maturationaldelay
- Stress-related causes
- Urinary tract disorders
- Urinarytract infection
- Dysfunctional voiding disorders
- Lower urinary tract obstruction
- Ectopic ureter in girls
- Neurologic disorders
- Mentalretardation
- Neurogenic bladder
- Abdominal or pelvic mass
- Polyuria
- Primary psychologic disturbance
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Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006
Polyuria and Polydipsia:
Principal Causes of Polyuria and Polydipsia
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
- Diabetesmellitus
- Diabetes insipidus
- Antidiuretichormone deficiency (central diabetes insipidus)
- Antidiuretic hormone resistance (nephrogenicdiabetes insipidus)
- Primary polydipsia
- Compulsivewater drinking
- Hypothalamic thirst center defect
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Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006
Dysuria:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Appendicitis.Occasionally, appendicitis causes dysuria that persists throughout voiding and is accompanied by bladder tenderness. Appendicitis is characterized by periumbilical abdominal pain that shifts to McBurney's point, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, a slight fever, abdominal rigidity and rebound tenderness, and tachycardia.
Bladder cancer.Bladder cancer, a predominantly male disorder, causes dysuria throughout voiding—a late symptom associated with urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, and perineal, back, or flank pain.
Cystitis.Dysuria throughout voiding is common in all types of cystitis, as are urinary frequency, nocturia, straining to void, and hematuria. Bacterial cystitis, the most common cause of dysuria in women, may also produce urinary urgency, perineal and lower back pain, suprapubic discomfort, fatigue and, possibly, a low-grade fever. With chronic interstitial cystitis, dysuria is accentuated at the end of voiding. In tubercular cystitis, symptoms may also include urinary urgency, flank pain, fatigue, and anorexia. With viral cystitis, severe dysuria occurs with gross hematuria, urinary urgency, and a fever.
Paraurethral gland inflammation.Dysuria throughout voiding occurs with urinary frequency and urgency, a diminished urine stream, mild perineal pain and, occasionally, hematuria.
Prostatitis.Acute prostatitis commonly causes dysuria throughout or toward the end of voiding as well as a diminished urine stream, urinary frequency and urgency, hematuria, suprapubic fullness, a fever, chills, fatigue, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. With chronic prostatitis, urethral narrowing causes dysuria throughout voiding. Related effects are urinary frequency and urgency; a diminished urine stream; perineal, back, and buttock pain; urethral discharge; nocturia; and, at times, hematospermia and ejaculatory pain.
Pyelonephritis (acute).Pyelonephritis causes dysuria throughout voiding. Other features include a persistent high fever with chills, costovertebral angle tenderness, unilateral or bilateral flank pain, weakness, urinary urgency and frequency, nocturia, straining on urination, and hematuria. Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia may also occur.
Reiter's syndrome.Reiter's syndrome is a disorder in which dysuria occurs 1 or 2 weeks after sexual contact. Initially, the patient has a mucopurulent discharge, urinary urgency and frequency, meatal swelling and redness, suprapubic pain, anorexia, weight loss, and a low-grade fever. Hematuria, conjunctivitis, arthritic symptoms, a papular rash, and oral and penile lesions may follow.
Urinary obstruction.Outflow obstruction by urethral strictures or calculi produces dysuria throughout voiding. (With complete obstruction, bladder distention develops and dysuria precedes voiding.) Other features are a diminished urine stream, urinary frequency and urgency, and a sensation of fullness or bloating in the lower abdomen or groin.
Vaginitis.Characteristically, dysuria occurs throughout voiding as urine touches inflamed or ulcerated labia with vaginitis. Other findings include urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, perineal pain, and vaginal discharge and odor.
Other causes
Chemical irritants.Dysuria may result from irritating substances, such as bubble bath salts and feminine deodorants; it's usually most intense at the end of voiding. Spermicides may cause dysuria in both sexes. Other findings include urinary frequency and urgency, a diminished urine stream and, possibly, hematuria.
Drugs.Dysuria can result from monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Metyrosine can also cause transient dysuria.
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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Oliguria:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Acute tubular necrosis (ATN).An early sign of ATN, oliguria may occur abruptly (in shock) or gradually (in nephrotoxicity). Usually, it persists for about 2 weeks, followed by polyuria. Related features include signs of hyperkalemia (muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias), uremia (anorexia, confusion, lethargy, twitching, seizures, pruritus, and Kussmaul's respirations), and heart failure (edema, jugular vein distention, crackles, and dyspnea).
Calculi.Oliguria or anuria may result from calculi lodging in the kidneys, ureters, bladder outlet, or urethra. Associated signs and symptoms include urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, and hematuria or pyuria. Usually, the patient experiences renal colic—excruciating pain that radiates from the CVA to the flank, the suprapubic region, and the external genitalia. This pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, hypoactive bowel sounds, abdominal distention and, occasionally, fever and chills.
Cholera. With cholera, severe water and electrolyte loss lead to oliguria, thirst, weakness, muscle cramps, decreased skin turgor, tachycardia, hypotension, and abrupt watery diarrhea and vomiting. Death may occur in hours without treatment.
Glomerulonephritis (acute).Acute glomerulonephritis produces oliguria or anuria. Other features are a mild fever, fatigue, gross hematuria, proteinuria, generalized edema, elevated blood pressure, headache, nausea and vomiting, flank and abdominal pain, and signs of pulmonary congestion (dyspnea and a productive cough).
Heart failure.Oliguria may occur with left-sided heart failure as a result of low cardiac output and decreased renal perfusion. Accompanying signs and symptoms include dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, peripheral edema, jugular vein distention, tachycardia, tachypnea, crackles, and a dry or productive cough. With advanced or chronic heart failure, the patient may also develop orthopnea, cyanosis, clubbing, a ventricular gallop, diastolic hypertension, cardiomegaly, and hemoptysis.
Hypovolemia. Any disorder that decreases circulating fluid volume can produce oliguria. Associated findings include orthostatic hypotension, apathy, lethargy, fatigue, gross muscle weakness, anorexia, nausea, profound thirst, dizziness, sunken eyeballs, poor skin turgor, and dry mucous membranes.
Pyelonephritis (acute).Accompanying the sudden onset of oliguria with acute pyelonephritis are a high fever with chills, fatigue, flank pain, CVA tenderness, weakness, nocturia, dysuria, hematuria, urinary frequency and urgency, and tenesmus. The urine may appear cloudy. Occasionally, the patient also experiences anorexia, diarrhea, and nausea and vomiting.
Renal failure (chronic).Oliguria is a major sign of end-stage chronic renal failure. Associated findings reflect progressive uremia and include fatigue, weakness, irritability, uremic fetor, ecchymoses and petechiae, peripheral edema, elevated blood pressure, confusion, emotional lability, drowsiness, coarse muscle twitching, muscle cramps, peripheral neuropathies, anorexia, a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea and vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, stomatitis, pruritus, pallor, and yellow- or bronze-tinged skin. Eventually, seizures, coma, and uremic frost may develop.
Renal vein occlusion (bilateral).Bilateral renal vein occlusion occasionally causes oliguria accompanied by acute low back and flank pain, CVA tenderness, fever, pallor, hematuria, enlarged and palpable kidneys, edema and, possibly, signs of uremia.
Toxemia of pregnancy.With severe preeclampsia, oliguria may be accompanied by elevated blood pressure, dizziness, diplopia, blurred vision, epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting, irritability, and a severe frontal headache. Typically, oliguria is preceded by generalized edema and sudden weight gain of more than 3 lb (1.4 kg) per week during the second trimester, or more than 1 lb (0.45 kg) per week during the third trimester. If preeclampsia progresses to eclampsia, the patient develops seizures and may slip into coma.
Urethral stricture.Urethral stricture produces oliguria accompanied by chronic urethral discharge, urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, pyuria, and a diminished urine stream. As the obstruction worsens, urine extravasation may lead to formation of urinomas and urosepsis.
Other causes
Diagnostic studies.Radiographic studies that use contrast media may cause nephrotoxicity and oliguria.
Drugs.Oliguria may result from drugs that cause decreased renal perfusion (diuretics), nephrotoxicity (most notably, aminoglycosides and chemotherapeutic drugs), urine retention (adrenergics and anticholinergics), or urinary obstruction associated with precipitation of urinary crystals (sulfonamides and acyclovir).
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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Polyuria:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Acute tubular necrosis (ATN).During the diuretic phase of ATN, polyuria of less than 8 L/day gradually subsides after 8 to 10 days. Urine specific gravity (1.010 or less) increases as polyuria subsides. Related findings include weight loss, decreasing edema, and nocturia.
Diabetes insipidus (DI).Polyuria of about 5 L/day with a specific gravity of 1.005 or less is common with DI, although extreme polyuria—up to 30 L/day—occasionally occurs. Polyuria is commonly accompanied by polydipsia, nocturia, fatigue, and signs of dehydration, such as poor skin turgor and dry mucous membranes.
Diabetes mellitus (DM).With DM, polyuria seldom exceeds 5 L/day, and urine specific gravity typically exceeds 1.020. The patient usually reports polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, weakness, frequent urinary tract infections and yeast vaginitis, fatigue, and nocturia. The patient may also display signs of dehydration and anorexia.
Glomerulonephritis (chronic).Polyuria gradually progresses to oliguria with chronic glomerulonephritis. Urine output is usually less than 4 L/day; specific gravity is about 1.010. Related GI findings include anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. The patient may experience drowsiness, fatigue, edema, headache, elevated blood pressure, and dyspnea. Nocturia, hematuria, frothy or malodorous urine, and mild to severe proteinuria may occur.
Postobstructive uropathy.After resolution of a urinary tract obstruction, polyuria—usually more than 5 L/day with a specific gravity of less than 1.010—occurs for up to several days before gradually subsiding. Bladder distention and edema may occur with nocturia and weight loss. Occasionally, signs of dehydration appear.
Psychogenic polydipsia.Psychogenic polydipsia usually produces dilute polyuria of 3 to 15 L/day, depending on fluid intake. The patient may appear depressed and have a headache and blurred vision. Weight gain, edema, elevated blood pressure and, occasionally, stupor or coma may develop. With severe overhydration, signs of heart failure may present.
Other causes
Diagnostic tests.Transient polyuria can result from radiographic tests that use contrast media.
Drugs.Diuretics characteristically produce polyuria. Cardiotonics, vitamin D, demeclocycline, phenytoin, lithium, methoxyflurane, and propoxyphene can also produce polyuria.
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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Urinary frequency:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia.Prostatic enlargement causes urinary frequency, along with nocturia and possibly incontinence and hematuria. Initial effects are those of prostatism: reduced caliber and force of the urine stream, urinary hesitancy and tenesmus, inability to stop the urine stream, a feeling of incomplete voiding, and occasionally urine retention. Assessment reveals bladder distention.
Bladder calculus.Bladder irritation may lead to urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, terminal hematuria, and suprapubic pain from bladder spasms. The patient may have overflow incontinence if the calculus lodges in the bladder neck. Greatest discomfort usually occurs at the end of micturition if the calculus lodges in the bladder neck. This may also cause overflow incontinence and referred pain to the lower back or heel.
Prostate cancer.In advanced stages of prostate cancer, urinary frequency may occur, along with hesitancy, dribbling, nocturia, dysuria, bladder distention, perineal pain, constipation, and a hard, irregularly shaped prostate.
Prostatitis.Acute prostatitis commonly produces urinary frequency, along with urgency, dysuria, nocturia, and purulent urethral discharge. Other findings include fever, chills, low back pain, myalgia, arthralgia, and perineal fullness. The prostate may be tense, boggy, tender, and warm. Prostate massage to obtain prostatic fluid is contraindicated. Signs and symptoms of chronic prostatitis are usually the same as those of the acute form, but to a lesser degree. The patient may also experience pain on ejaculation.
Rectal tumor.The pressure exerted by a rectal tumor on the bladder may cause urinary frequency. Early findings include changed bowel habits, commonly starting with an urgent need to defecate on arising or obstipation alternating with diarrhea; blood or mucus in the stools; and a sense of incomplete evacuation.
Reiter's syndrome.In Reiter's syndrome, urinary frequency occurs with symptoms of acute urethritis 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Other symptoms of this self-limiting syndrome include asymmetrical arthritis of knees, ankles, and metatarsophalangeal joints; unilateral or bilateral conjunctivitis; and small painless ulcers on the mouth, tongue, glans penis, palms, and soles.
Reproductive tract tumor.A tumor in the female reproductive tract may compress the bladder, causing urinary frequency. Other findings vary but may include abdominal distention, menstrual disturbances, vaginal bleeding, weight loss, pelvic pain, and fatigue.
Spinal cord lesion.Incomplete cord transection results in urinary frequency, continuous overflow, dribbling, urgency when voluntary control of sphincter function weakens, urinary hesitancy, and bladder distention. Other effects occur below the level of the lesion and include weakness, paralysis, sensory disturbances, hyperreflexia, and impotence.
Urethral stricture.Bladder decompensation produces urinary frequency, along with urgency and nocturia. Early signs include hesitancy, tenesmus, and reduced caliber and force of the urine stream. Eventually, overflow incontinence may occur. Urinoma and urosepsis may develop.
Urinary tract infection.Affecting the urethra, the bladder, or the kidneys, this common cause of urinary frequency may also produce urgency, dysuria, hematuria, cloudy urine and, in males, urethral discharge. The patient may report bladder spasms or a feeling of warmth and pain during urination and fever. Women may experience suprapubic or pelvic pain.
Other causes
Diuretics.Diuretics, which include caffeine, reduce the body's total volume of water and salt by increasing urine excretion. Excessive intake of coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages leads to urinary frequency.
Treatments.Radiation therapy may cause bladder inflammation, leading to urinary frequency.
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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Urinary hesitancy:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Signs and symptoms of BPH depend on the extent of prostatic enlargement and the lobes affected. Characteristic early findings include urinary hesitancy, reduced caliber and force of urine stream, perineal pain, a feeling of incomplete voiding, inability to stop the urine stream and, occasionally, urine retention. As obstruction increases, urination becomes more frequent, with nocturia, urinary overflow, incontinence, bladder distention, and possibly hematuria.
Prostatic cancer.In patients with advanced prostate cancer, urinary hesitancy may occur, accompanied by frequency, dribbling, nocturia, dysuria, bladder distention, perineal pain, and constipation. Digital rectal examination commonly reveals a hard, nodular prostate.
Spinal cord lesion.A lesion below the micturition center that has destroyed the sacral nerve roots causes urinary hesitancy, tenesmus, and constant dribbling from retention and overflow incontinence. Associated findings are urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, and nocturia.
Urethral stricture.Partial obstruction of the lower urinary tract secondary to trauma or infection produces urinary hesitancy, tenesmus, and decreased force and caliber of the urine stream. Urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, and eventually overflow incontinence may develop. Pyuria usually indicates accompanying infection. Increased obstruction may lead to urine extravasation and formation of urinomas.
UTI.Urinary hesitancy may be associated with a UTI. Characteristic urinary changes include frequency, possible hematuria, dysuria, nocturia, and cloudy urine. Associated findings include bladder spasms; costovertebral angle tenderness; suprapubic, low back, pelvic, or flank pain; urethral discharge in males; fever; chills; malaise; nausea; and vomiting.
Other causes
Drugs.Anticholinergics and drugs with anticholinergic properties (such as tricyclic antidepressants and some nasal decongestants and cold remedies) may cause urinary hesitancy. Hesitancy may also occur in those recovering from general anesthesia.
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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Urinary incontinence:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Overflow incontinence is common with BPH as a result of urethral obstruction and urine retention. BPH begins with a group of signs and symptoms known as prostatism: reduced caliber and force of urine stream, urinary hesitancy, and a feeling of incomplete voiding. As obstruction increases, urination becomes more frequent, with nocturia and, possibly, hematuria. Examination reveals bladder distention and an enlarged prostate.
Bladder cancer.With bladder cancer, the patient commonly presents with urge incontinence and hematuria; obstruction by a tumor may produce overflow incontinence. The early stages may not produce symptoms. Other urinary signs and symptoms include frequency, dysuria, nocturia, dribbling, and suprapubic pain from bladder spasms after voiding. A mass may be palpable on bimanual examination.
Diabetic neuropathy.Autonomic neuropathy may cause painless bladder distention with overflow incontinence. Related findings include episodic constipation or diarrhea (which is commonly nocturnal), impotence and retrograde ejaculation, orthostatic hypotension, syncope, and dysphagia.
Multiple sclerosis (MS).Urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency are common urologic findings in MS. In most patients, vision problems and sensory impairment occur early. Other findings include constipation, muscle weakness, paralysis, spasticity, hyperreflexia, intention tremor, ataxic gait, dysarthria, impotence, and emotional lability.
Prostate cancer.Urinary incontinence usually appears only in the advanced stages of prostate cancer. Urinary frequency and hesitancy, nocturia, dysuria, bladder distention, perineal pain, constipation, and a hard, irregularly shaped, nodular prostate are other common late findings.
Prostatitis (chronic).Urinary incontinence may occur as a result of urethral obstruction from an enlarged prostate. Other findings include urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, hematuria, bladder distention, persistent urethral discharge, dull perineal pain that may radiate, ejaculatory pain, and decreased libido.
Spinal cord injury.Complete cord transection above the sacral level causes flaccid paralysis of the bladder. Overflow incontinence follows rapid bladder distention. Other findings include paraplegia, sexual dysfunction, sensory loss, muscle atrophy, anhidrosis, and loss of reflexes distal to the injury.
Stroke.With a stroke, urinary incontinence may be transient or permanent. Associated findings reflect the site and extent of the lesion and may include impaired mentation, emotional lability, behavioral changes, altered level of consciousness, and seizures. Headache, vomiting, visual deficits, and decreased visual acuity are possible. Sensorimotor effects include contralateral hemiplegia, dysarthria, dysphagia, ataxia, apraxia, agnosia, aphasia, and unilateral sensory loss.
Urethral stricture.Eventually, overflow incontinence may occur with a urethral stricture. As obstruction increases, urine extravasation may lead to formation of urinomas and urosepsis.
UTI.Besides incontinence, a UTI may produce urinary urgency, dysuria, hematuria, cloudy urine and, in males, urethral discharge. Bladder spasms or a feeling of warmth during urination may occur.
Other causes
Surgery.Urinary incontinence may occur after prostatectomy as a result of urethral sphincter damage.
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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Urinary urgency:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Bladder calculus.Bladder irritation can lead to urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, terminal hematuria, and suprapubic pain from bladder spasms. Pain may be referred to the penis, vulva, lower back, or heel.
Multiple sclerosis (MS).Urinary urgency can occur with or without the frequent UTIs that can accompany MS. Like MS's other variable effects, urinary urgency may wax and wane. Commonly, vision and sensory impairments are the earliest findings. Others include urinary frequency, incontinence, constipation, muscle weakness, paralysis, spasticity, intention tremor, hyperreflexia, ataxic gait, dysphagia, dysarthria, impotence, and emotional lability.
Reiter's syndrome.In Reiter's syndrome, urinary urgency occurs with other symptoms of acute urethritis 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Arthritic and ocular symptoms and skin lesions usually develop within several weeks after sexual contact. These include asymmetrical arthritis of knees, ankles, or metatarsal phalangeal joints; conjunctivitis; and ulcers on the penis, or skin, or in the mouth.
Spinal cord lesion.Urinary urgency can result from incomplete cord transection when voluntary control of sphincter function weakens. Urinary frequency, difficulty initiating and inhibiting a urine stream, and bladder distention and discomfort may also occur. Neuromuscular effects distal to the lesion include weakness, paralysis, hyperreflexia, sensory disturbances, and impotence.
Urethral stricture.Bladder decompensation produces urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia. Early signs and symptoms include hesitancy, tenesmus, and reduced caliber and force of the urine stream. Eventually, overflow incontinence may occur.
UTI.Urinary urgency is commonly associated with a UTI. Other characteristic urinary changes include frequency, hematuria, dysuria, nocturia, and cloudy urine. Urinary hesitancy may also occur. Associated findings include bladder spasms; costovertebral angle tenderness; suprapubic, low back, or flank pain; urethral discharge in males; fever; chills; malaise; nausea; and vomiting.
Other causes
Treatments.Radiation therapy may irritate and inflame the bladder, causing urinary urgency.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Urine cloudiness:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
UTI.Cloudy urine is common with UTI. Other urinary changes include urgency, frequency, hematuria, dysuria, nocturia and, in males, urethral discharge. Urinary hesitancy; bladder spasms; costovertebral angle tenderness; and suprapubic, lower back, or flank pain may occur. Other effects include fever, chills, malaise, nausea, and vomiting.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Urinary Tract Infection:
Urinary Tract Infection - risk factors
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)
- Sex/Age: Boys most at risk for UTI during first year of life; girls until school age and again in adolescence
- Circumcision status: Uncircumcised males <1 year have 10 times the incidence of UTI compared with circumcised males.
- Abnormal urinary tract: Children with VUR and obstruction are at higher risk for UTI.
- Voiding dysfunction
- Requiring frequent catheterization
- Sexual activity
- Clinical decision rule in girls 2–24 months. Consider testing if 2 or more of following are present:
- Temperature ≥39, fever for ≥2 days, white race, age <1 year, absence of another potential source of fever
Urinary Tract Infection - pathophysiology
- Bacterial invasion of urinary tract from ascending skin or gut flora
- Shorter urethra in females puts them at increased risk
- Poor bladder emptying (neurogenic bladder, obstructive uropathies) facilitates movement of pathogens into upper tract
- In young infants, can be from hematogenous spread
Urinary Tract Infection - etiology
Urinary tract pathogens include:
- Common: Escherichia coli >> Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus, Proteus mirabilis
- Less common: Enterobacter cloacae, group B hemolytic streptococci, Citrobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia sp. and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (teenage girls)
>>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
Urinary Tract Infections:
Etiology
(Pediatric Infectious Disease)
Pediatric urinary tract infection begins with colonization of the periurethral
area with gastrointestinal bacteria. These bacteria may then ascend into the
bladder, kidneys, or both. A variety of virulence factors may promote infection
with certain bacterial isolates.
Escherichia coli organisms, a primary cause of urinary tract infection, have a variety of
adhesive molecules that facilitate binding to uroepithelial cells. These
“pili” function as ladders that enable the bacteria to ascend from the periurethral
area into the urinary tract.
Host factors may also play a role in the development of complicated urinary
tract infection. Ascension of bacteria from the bladder into the renal
parenchyma may be facilitated by vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). VUR is a
congenital condition resulting from a defect in the ureterovesical junction.
This defect affects closure of the ureter, which then allows retrograde flow of
urine from the bladder into the kidneys. Infection with
E. coli accounts for most urinary tract infections. Less common pathogens include
enterococcus and other enterics such as
Proteus species.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Pediatric Infectious Disease, 2004
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