CONFIRMING DIAGNOSIS A clean-catch midstream urine specimen revealing a bacterial count above 100,000/µl confirms the diagnosis.
Lower counts don’t necessarily rule out infection, especially if the patient is voiding frequently because bacteria require 30 to 45 minutes to reproduce in urine. Careful midstream, clean-catch collection is preferred to catheterization, which can reinfect the bladder with urethral bacteria.
Sensitivity testing determines the appropriate therapeutic antimicrobial agent. If patient history and physical examination warrant, a blood test or a stained smear of the discharge rules out venereal disease. Voiding cystoureterography or excretory urography may detect congenital anomalies that predispose the patient to recurrent UTIs.
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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Anuria:
History and physical examination
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Take the patient’s vital signs and obtain a complete history. First ask about any changes in his voiding pattern. Determine the amount of fluid he normally ingests each day, the amount of fluid he ingested in the last 24 to 48 hours, and the time and amount of his last urination. Review his medical history, noting especially previous kidney disease, urinary tract obstruction or infection, prostate enlargement, renal calculi, neurogenic bladder, or congenital abnormalities. Ask about drug use and about any abdominal, renal, or urinary tract surgery.
Inspect and palpate the abdomen for asymmetry, distention, or bulging. Inspect the flank area for edema or erythema, and percuss and palpate the bladder. Palpate the kidneys both anteriorly and posteriorly, and percuss them at the costovertebral angle. Auscultate over the renal arteries, listening for bruits.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Bladder distention:
History and physical examination
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If distention isn’t severe, begin by reviewing the patient’s voiding patterns. Find out the time and amount of the patient’s last voiding and the amount of fluid consumed since then. Ask if he has difficulty urinating. Does he use Valsalva’s or Credé’s maneuver to initiate urination? Does he urinate with urgency or without warning? Is urination painful or irritating? Ask about the force and continuity of his urine stream and whether he feels that his bladder is empty after voiding.
Explore the patient’s history of urinary tract obstruction or infections; venereal disease; neurologic, intestinal, or pelvic surgery; lower abdominal or urinary tract trauma; and systemic or neurologic disorders. Ask about his drug history, including his use of over-the-counter drugs.
Take the patient’s vital signs, and percuss and palpate the bladder. (Remember that if the bladder is empty, it can’t be palpated through the abdominal wall.) Inspect the urethral meatus, and measure its diameter. Describe the appearance and amount of any discharge. Finally, test for perineal sensation and anal sphincter tone; in male patients, digitally examine the prostate gland.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Dysuria:
History and physical examination
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient complains of dysuria, have him describe its severity and location. When did he first notice it? Did anything precipitate it? Does anything aggravate or alleviate it?
Next, ask about previous urinary or genital tract infections. Has the patient recently undergone an invasive procedure, such as cystoscopy or urethral dilatation, or had a urinary catheter inserted? Also, ask if he has a history of intestinal disease. Ask the female patient about menstrual disorders and use of products that irritate the urinary tract, such as bubble bath salts, feminine deodorants, contraceptive gels, or perineal lotions. Also ask her about vaginal discharge or pruritus.
During the physical examination, inspect the urethral meatus for discharge, irritation, or other abnormalities. A pelvic or rectal examination may be necessary.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Oliguria:
History and physical examination
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Begin by asking the patient about his usual daily voiding pattern, including frequency and amount. When did he first notice changes in this pattern and in the color, odor, or consistency of his urine? Ask about pain or burning on urination. Has the patient had a fever? Note his normal daily fluid intake. Has he recently been drinking more or less than usual? Has his intake of caffeine or alcohol changed drastically? Has he had recent episodes of diarrhea or vomiting that might cause fluid loss? Next, explore associated complaints, especially fatigue, loss of appetite, thirst, dyspnea, chest pain, or recent weight gain or loss (in dehydration).
Check for a history of renal, urinary tract, or cardiovascular disorders. Note recent traumatic injury or surgery associated with significant blood loss, as well as recent blood transfusions. Was the patient exposed to nephrotoxic agents, such as heavy metals, organic solvents, anesthetics, or radiographic contrast media? Next, obtain a drug history.
Begin the physical examination by taking the patient’s vital signs and weighing him. Assess his overall appearance for edema. Palpate both kidneys for tenderness and enlargement, and percuss for costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness. Also, inspect the flank area for edema or erythema. Auscultate the heart and lungs for abnormal sounds, and the flank area for renal artery bruits. Assess the patient for edema or signs of dehydration such as dry mucous membranes.
Obtain a urine sample and inspect it for abnormal color, odor, or sediment. Use reagent strips to test for glucose, protein, and blood. Also, use a urinometer to measure specific gravity.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Urinary hesitancy:
History and physical examination
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Ask the patient when he first noticed hesitancy and if he has ever had the problem before. Ask about other urinary problems, especially reduced force or interruption of the urine stream. Ask if he has ever been treated for a prostate problem, a UTI, or a urinary tract obstruction. Obtain a drug history.
Inspect the patient’s urethral meatus for inflammation, discharge, and other abnormalities. Examine the anal sphincter and test sensation in the perineum. Obtain a clean-catch urine specimen for urinalysis and culture and sensitivity tests. A male patient requires prostate gland palpation. A female patient requires a gynecologic examination.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Urinary incontinence:
History and physical examination
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Ask the patient when he first noticed the incontinence and whether it began suddenly or gradually. Have him describe his typical urinary pattern: Does incontinence usually occur during the day or at night? Does he have any urinary control, or is he totally incontinent? If can control urination occasionally, ask him the usual times and amounts voided. Determine his normal fluid intake. Ask about other urinary problems, such as hesitancy, frequency, urgency, nocturia, and decreased force or interruption of the urine stream. Also ask if he’s ever sought treatment for incontinence or found a way to deal with it himself.
Obtain a medical history, especially noting urinary tract infection (UTI), prostate conditions, spinal injury or tumor, stroke, or surgery involving the bladder, prostate, or pelvic floor. Ask a woman how many pregnancies and childbirths she has had.
After completing the history, have the patient empty his bladder. Inspect the urethral meatus for obvious signs of inflammation or an anatomic defect. Have female patients bear down, and note any urine leakage. Gently palpate the abdomen for bladder distention, which signals urine retention. Perform a complete neurologic assessment, noting motor and sensory function and obvious muscle atrophy.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Dysuria:
History
(The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)
A good general history is critical and can help direct further questions.
A. Distinguishing between symptoms of “internal” dysuria and “external” dysuria is often helpful. Internal dysuria is where the discomfort seems to be centered inside the body and begins before or with the initiation of voiding. External dysuria is when the discomfort appears after voiding has initiated. Symptoms of internal dysuria suggest inflammation of the bladder or urethra, whereas those of external dysuria suggest vaginitis, vulvar inflammation, or external penile lesions.
B. Careful questioning about other associated symptoms and risk factors is the key to sorting out the diagnosis. The history of a new sex partner may support an STD cause. Diaphragm usage may support a bladder infection as well as associated symptoms of frequency, urgency, voiding small volumes, hematuria, and abrupt onset. Gradual onset is more suggestive of urethritis and external causes. Other symptoms of suprapubic pain, costovertebral angle tenderness, fever, flank pain, and so on should be asked about and can direct the diagnostic workup.
Physical examination
The physical examination is essential in narrowing the diagnosis. It helps to rule out pyelonephritis and other systemic infections in patients with dysuria, allowing the physician to search for the less severe causes. Fever, flank tenderness, and suprapubic tenderness are useful findings. A careful genital examination (speculum in women, foreskin retraction and prostate examination in uncircumcised men) can point to specific localized causes. The genital examination also allows collection of samples for testing. Attention to localized lesions (e.g., HSV lesions), discharge (yeast, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis) and trauma also help make the diagnosis.
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Source: The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter, 2000
Urinary Incontinence:
History
(The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)
A. Voiding history. It is important to fully characterize the patient’s problem by taking a detailed history, including the duration of the symptoms, timing of voluntary or involuntary voiding, amounts voided involuntarily, and the relationship to voluntary voiding. Focus on the following areas:
1. Need for pads or diapers (measure of severity)
2. Loss of urine with coughing or laughing (suggests stress type)
3. Inability to hold urine after having the urge to urinate (suggests urge type)
4. Pain or discomfort (suggests infection or inflammation) (Chapter 10.1)
5. Inability to fully empty bladder (suggests obstruction)
6. Decreased urinary stream (suggests obstruction)
7. What impact does UI have on the patient’s life?
8. What does the patient think is going on?
B. Major medical problems. Does the patient have any known condition that is associated with UI? These include diabetes, heart failure, menopause, and neurologic problems. Does the patient have other genitourinary symptoms? In female patients, be sure to take a detailed obstetric history.
C. Medication history. Since medications are a major cause of incontinence, a thorough medication history is essential. Offending agents include diuretics, older antidepressants, antihypertensives, narcotics, and alcohol.
D. Special concern. Central and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus can present with UI because of increased urine output (many liters per day). These patients frequently have a concomitant polydypsia that closely matches their water loss (Chapter 14.5). Consider this diagnosis when the patient gives a history of voiding large volumes of urine.
Physical examination
The physical examination is often normal in cases of UI. Focus efforts in an attempt to uncover the underlying cause(s):
A. General. Is the patient physically capable of getting to the toilet?
B. Mental status. Can the patient understand and act on the urge to void?
C. Neurologic, including the anal reflex; focal signs suggest a neurologic cause.
D. Abdominal examination. Is the bladder distended?
E. Rectal or prostate. Does the patient have a fecal impaction or an enlarged prostate?
F. Pelvic examination. Look for atrophic vaginitis, uterine prolapse, or a pelvic mass.
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Source: The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter, 2000
Oliguria and Anuria:
History
(The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)
A. Pertinent present history. A patient may complain of decreased urine output in some clinical situations. More often, however, the clinical situation and pertinent history should lead to an evaluation of the presence of oliguria or anuria.
1. Are there symptoms of illness or trauma leading to hypotension?
a. Hypovolemia (e.g., hemorrhage, diuretic overuse, gastrointestinal fluid loss, skin fluid loss owing to burns or heat exposure, third spacing, secondary to burns, peritonitis, pancreatitis, or trauma)?
b. Decreased cardiac output (e.g., congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, pericardial tamponade, or acute pulmonary embolus)?
c. Peripheral vasodilatation (e.g., septic shock, anaphylactic shock)?
2. Are there symptoms of vascular disease? Consider bilateral renal vascular obstruction due to severe renal artery stenosis, thrombosis, or embolism.
3. Is there any history consistent with renal parenchymal injury [e.g., recent radiocontrast agent, nephrotoxin exposure such as ethylene glycol, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug overdose, acute nephritis, acute vasculitis, pyelonephritis (in the elderly), papillary necrosis (in diabetic patients), or prolonged hypotension with hypoperfusion of the kidney]?
4. Is there any history consistent with urinary tract obstruction?
a. Bladder neck obstruction (e.g., benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, or functional obstruction due to drug side effects)?
b. Obstruction of the urethra or bilateral ureters—internally (2° blood clots, stones, sulfonamide or uric acid crystals, pyogenic debris, necrotizing papillitis or edema), or externally (2° tumor, periureteral fibrosis, accidental ureteral ligation during pelvic surgery, ascites, pregnancy, pelvic abscess, or hematoma).
5. Medication use must be considered—diuretics, antihypertensives, anticholinergics, aminogycosides, amphotericin B, or chemotherapeutic drugs.
B. Other pertinent past history. Is there a history of cancer, recent surgery, kidney stones, neurologic disorder, vascular disease, chronic liver disease (hepatorenal syndrome), or kidney transplant?
Physical examination
A. Focused physical examination (PE). This should include vital signs (notably blood pressure, pulse, and temperature). Orthostatic blood pressure and pulse may be necessary. Signs of hypovolemia, hypotension, and dehydration should be noted—skin turgor and color, mucous membranes, capillary refill, warmth of extremities.
B. Additional PE. Depending on the history (e.g., skin rash, cardiac examination, bruits over kidneys) palpate for a distended bladder; if a cancer or outlet obstruction is suspected, perform a rectal or pelvic examination.
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Source: The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter, 2000
Dysuria:
Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
❑ Lower urinary tract infection
❑ Acute pyelonephritis
❑ Urethritis
❑ Vaginitis
❑ Acute prostatitis
❑ Urethral calculus
❑ Reiter syndrome
Diagnostic Approach
In women, ask whether burning is internal (urinary tract infection) or external (vaginitis). Women who have had a prior urinary tract infection are more than 90% accurate in identifying recurrences.
The urine dipstick is a useful diagnostic adjunct for determining the presence of pyuria. Leukocyte esterase and nitrate tests are complementary, increasing the overall sensitivity.
Always consider a sexually transmitted infection, especially with minimal pyuria and/or a new sexual partner.
The combination of symptoms of dysuria and frequency without vaginal discharge or irritation has an overall likelihood ratio of 24.6 in predicting acute urinary tract infection.
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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
Diagnostic Approach
On examination, test for stress-induced leakage with a full bladder, palpate for bladder distension after voiding, and check for post-void residual. Do a pelvic examination looking for pelvic floor laxity, atrophic vaginitis, urethritis, or pelvic mass, and a rectal examination for tone, fecal impaction, and prostate nodule. Check perineal sensation and neurosacral reflexes including volitional anal contraction, anal wink (anal contraction in response to a light scratch of the perineal skin), and bulbocavernosus reflex (anal contraction in response to a light squeeze of the penis or clitoris). An intact reflex arc but absent perineal sensation suggests a cord lesion or multiple sclerosis.
Urge incontinence: Due to detrusor overactivity. Urine loss is accompanied by a strong desire to void. Incontinence is preceded by a warning of seconds to minutes. Leakage is periodic but frequent, and nocturnal incontinence is common. Voluntary control of the anal sphincter is intact, and sacral sensation and reflexes are preserved. The post-void residual is low. It is usually a result of detrusor instability caused by stroke, Alzheimer dementia, brain tumor, Parkinson disease, bladder outlet obstruction, spinal cord lesion, or interstitial cystitis.
Reflex incontinence: Due to an excessive pressure response to bladder filling. Voiding occurs without stress or warning. Sacral reflexes are preserved, but voluntary sphincter control and perineal sensation are impaired. Post-void residual is increased. Usually caused by a spinal cord lesion, incontinence may be mimicked by cortical damage with decreased awareness of signals to void.
Stress incontinence: Due to failure of the sphincter to remain closed during bladder filling. Incontinence of small amounts of urine occurs with increased abdominal pressure (e.g., coughing, laughing, sneezing). Stress-induced detrusor instability is suggested by a 5 to 15 second delay between stress and leakage, and by nocturnal leakage.
Overflow incontinence: Due to impaired detrusor contractility and/or bladder outlet obstruction. There is frequent leakage of small amounts of urine, hesitancy, decreased flow, and incomplete emptying. The post-void residual is increased, and the bladder is palpable. Common mechanisms include bladder outlet obstruction caused by benign prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture; decreased detrusor tone due to a herniated disc; or peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes, pernicious anemia, tabes, or cauda equina.
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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
Diagnostic Approach
Distinguish anuria from urinary retention. Nonobstructive anuria is accompanied by symptoms of uremia with vomiting, drowsiness, muscle twitch, headache, and asterixis. Urinary retention causes suprapubic pain, constant urgency, and a palpable bladder with dullness to percussion in the suprapubic region.
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Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
Urinary tract infection, lower:
Diagnosis
(Handbook of Diseases)
Characteristic clinical features and a microscopic urinalysis showing red blood cells and white blood cells greater than 10/high-power field suggest lower UTI.
❑ A clean-catch, midstream urine specimen revealing a bacterial count of more than 100,000/ml confirms the diagnosis. Lower counts do not necessarily rule out infection, especially if the patient is voiding frequently, because bacteria require 30 to 45 minutes to reproduce in urine.
Careful midstream, clean-catch collection is preferred to catheterization, which can reinfect the bladder with urethral bacteria.
❑ Sensitivity testing determines the appropriate therapeutic antimicrobial agent.
❑ Voiding cystoureterography or excretory urography may detect congenital anomalies that predispose the patient to recurrent UTIs.
❑ If patient history and physical examination warrant, a blood test or a stained smear of the discharge rules out a sexually transmitted disease.
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Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Anuria:
History
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Obtain a complete history, including changes in voiding pattern or urine characteristics. Ask the patient how much fluid he normally ingests each day, how much he ingested in the past 24 to 48 hours, and the time and amount of his last urination. Note a history of kidney disease, urinary tract obstruction or infection, prostate enlargement, renal calculi, neurogenic bladder, or congenital abnormalities. Ask about abdominal, renal, or urinary tract surgery and about drug use.
Physical examination
Inspect and palpate the abdomen for asymmetry, distention, or bulging. Inspect the flank area for edema or erythema, and percuss and palpate the bladder. Palpate the kidneys anteriorly and posteriorly, and percuss them at the costovertebral angle. Auscultate over the renal arteries, listening for bruits.
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Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Bladder distention:
History
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Ask the patient about voiding patterns, the time and amount of the last voiding, and the amount of fluid he consumed since the last voiding. Does he have a history of difficulty when urinating? Ask whether Valsalva’s maneuver or Credé’s maneuver is required to initiate urination. Does he experience an urgent need to urinate? Does the urge to urinate arise without warning? Is urination painful or irritating? Ask about the force and continuity of the urine stream and whether the bladder is empty after voiding.
Assess the patient’s history for the presence of a urinary tract obstruction or infections, venereal disease, lower abdominal or urinary tract trauma, systemic or neurologic disorders, and neurologic, intestinal, or pelvic surgery. Note medication history, including the use of over-the-counter or recreational drugs.
Physical examination
Take the patient’s vital signs, and percuss and palpate the bladder. (Remember that if the bladder is empty, it can’t be palpated through the abdominal wall.) Inspect the urethral meatus. Document the appearance and amount of any discharge. Finally, test for perineal sensation and anal sphincter tone; in male patients, digitally examine the prostate gland.
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Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Anuria:
History
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Begin by obtaining a complete history. First ask about any changes in the patient’s voiding pattern. Determine the amount of fluid he normally ingests each day, the amount of fluid he ingested in the last 24 to 48 hours, and the time and amount of his last urination. Review his medical history, noting especially previous kidney disease, urinary tract obstruction or infection, prostate enlargement, renal calculi, neurogenic bladder, or congenital abnormalities. Ask about drug use and about any abdominal, renal, or urinary tract surgery.
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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Bladder distention:
History
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If distention isn’t severe, begin by reviewing the patient’s voiding patterns. Find out the time and amount of the patient’s last voiding and the amount of fluid consumed since then. Ask if he has difficulty urinating. Does he use Valsalva’s or Credé’s maneuver to initiate urination? Does he urinate with urgency or without warning? Is urination painful or irritating? Ask about the force and continuity of his urine stream and whether he feels that his bladder is empty after voiding.
Explore the patient’s history of urinary tract obstruction or infections; venereal disease; neurologic, intestinal, or pelvic surgery; lower abdominal or urinary tract trauma; and systemic or neurologic disorders. Note his drug history, including his use of over-the-counter drugs.
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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Dysuria:
History
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If the patient complains of dysuria, have him describe its severity and location. When did he first notice it? Did anything precipitate it? Does anything aggravate or alleviate it?
Next, ask about previous urinary or genital tract infections. Has the patient recently undergone an invasive procedure, such as cystoscopy or urethral dilatation, or had a urinary catheter placed? Also, ask if he has a history of intestinal disease. Ask the female patient about menstrual disorders and use of products that irritate the urinary tract, such as bubble bath salts, feminine deodorants, contraceptive gels, and perineal lotions. Also ask her about vaginal discharge and pruritus.
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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Oliguria:
History
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Begin by asking the patient about his usual daily voiding pattern, including frequency and amount. When did he first notice changes in this pattern and in the color, odor, or consistency of his urine? Ask about pain or burning on urination. Has the patient had a fever? Note his normal daily fluid intake. Has he recently been drinking more or less than usual? Has his intake of caffeine or alcohol changed drastically? Has he had recent episodes of diarrhea or vomiting that might cause fluid loss? Next, explore associated complaints, especially fatigue, loss of appetite, thirst, dyspnea, chest pain, or recent weight gain or loss (in dehydration).
Check for a history of renal, urinary tract, or cardiovascular disorders. Note recent traumatic injury or surgery associated with significant blood loss, as well as recent blood transfusions. Was the patient exposed to nephrotoxic agents, such as heavy metals, organic solvents, anesthetics, or radiographic contrast media? Next, obtain a drug history.
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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Urinary hesitancy:
History
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Ask the patient when he first noticed hesitancy and if he has ever had the problem before. Ask about other urinary problems, especially reduced force or interruption of the urine stream. Ask if he has ever been treated for a prostate problem or UTI or obstruction. Obtain a drug history.
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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Urinary incontinence:
History
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Ask the patient when he first noticed the incontinence and whether it began suddenly or gradually. Have him describe his typical urinary pattern: Does incontinence usually occur during the day or at night? Does he have any urinary control, or is he totally incontinent? If he is occasionally able to control urination, ask him the usual times and amounts voided. Determine his normal fluid intake. Ask about other urinary problems, such as hesitancy, frequency, urgency, nocturia, and decreased force or interruption of the urine stream. Also ask if he has ever sought treatment for incontinence or found a way to deal with it himself.
Obtain a medical history, especially noting urinary tract infection (UTI), prostate conditions, spinal injury or tumor, stroke, or surgery involving the bladder, prostate, or pelvic floor. Ask a woman how many pregnancies she has had and how many childbirths.
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Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Dysuria:
Clinical Features and Diagnosis
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
UTI existswhen a significant number of bacteria are present in urine or whenthe urinary tract is infected with a virus. Infection can involveurethra, bladder, or renal parenchyma.E. coli is most common pathogen inall age groups. Other pathogens include gram-negative enteric bacteria(Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacter species) andgram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus species, coagulase-negativeStaphylococcus, group B Streptococcus, S. aureus).Only virus likely to be encounteredas urinary tract pathogen is adenovirus, which causes acute hemorrhagiccystitis.Manifestations vary with age. In neonatesclinical features include fever or temperature instability, poorfeeding, decreased activity, and vomiting. Fever, vomiting, anddecreased weight gain may occur in infants. In children and adolescents,common findings include fever, dysuria, frequency, urgency, vomiting,abdominal pain, and flank pain. In all age groups urine may be cloudyand foul smelling.Pyuria and microscopic or gross hematuriamay be found. Positive urine culture is diagnostic. Urethritis
In girlsvulvovaginitis is a common cause of urethritis. See Chap. 71, Vaginal Discharge.Occasionally, dysuria occurs with labialadhesions, which are readily seen on physical exam. Proposed mechanismis pooling of urine behind adhesion and inadequate cleansing ofurethra.In boys urethritis occurs most commonlyin adolescents. N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis are the most commonpathogens in this age group.Gonorrhea usually presents with creamyurethral discharge and dysuria 2–7 days after sexual contact.Gram-stained smear of discharge that shows gram-negative intracellulardiplococci is diagnostic, whereas positive culture of urethral dischargeis confirmatory.Infection with C. trachomatis may ormay not produce mild mucoid discharge, and dysuria is usually mild.Positive urine culture is diagnostic.When herpes simplex virus causes urethritis,vesicles are usually seen on genital exam. Cystitis
Infectionof bladder with bacteria is common in girls but infrequent in boys.Long male urethra and bactericidal prostatic secretions may be responsiblefor lower incidence in boys.Children with cystitis may have dysuria,urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic tenderness, and occasionallyfever.If dysuria persists in sexually activeindividuals and urine bacterial culture is negative, urine shouldbe cultured for C. trachomatis.Adenovirus infection of bladder cancause severe dysuria and bloody urine (hemorrhagic cystitis). Usualurine culture for bacteria is sterile. Pyelonephritis
Childrenwith acute pyelonephritis do not have dysuria unless cystitis isalso present. They are usually more ill and have higher fever thanthose with urethritis or cystitis.Parenchymal infection should be suspectedin febrile child with flank pain and tenderness who may or may notbe toxic.Renal scintigraphy using technetium99m–dimercaptosuccinic acid can show renal cortical involvementin most cases. Chemical Irritation
Chemicalirritants, which include detergents, fabric softeners, perfumedsoaps, and bubble baths, are common causes of transient urethritis.History and physical exam are diagnostic. Diaper Dermatitis
Diaper dermatitiswith or without Candida infection can cause meatal inflammation withulcer formation in boys and urethral inflammation in girls.History and physical exam are diagnostic. Trauma
Any injuryto urethra (e.g., minor trauma, foreign body placed in urethra,or child abuse) can produce dysuria. Hematuria with or without bacteriuriaalso may occur.History and physical exam are oftendiagnostic.Urethrogram or cystogram may be necessaryif there is history of trauma and persistent hematuria. Pelvic radiographymay reveal radiopaque foreign body. Psychogenic
Dysuria may occur for psychologic reasonswithout any pathologic process involving genitourinary tract. Diagnostic Approach
History and physical exam are usually diagnosticof trauma, vulvovaginitis, labial adhesions, chemical irritation,and diaper dermatitis. Otherwise, suspect UTI and perform UA andurine culture. Urinalysis
Presenceof WBCs (>10/high-power field) in sediment ofcentrifuged specimen of urine suggests but is not diagnostic ofUTI. Neither is positive leukocyte esterase test (urine dipstick), whichindicates presence of WBCs in urine.Positive nitrite test using nitritestrip (Griess test) on urine dipstick is highly sensitive and specificfor detection of gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Klebsiella,and Proteus species). Positive reaction usually indicates 105 CFUs/mL.False-positive reactions are uncommon if urine is fresh; however,if urine is not examined immediately, test result may be positivebecause of bacteria growing at room temperature. False-negativereactions may occur when there has been inadequate time for bacterialproliferation (random collection rather than first morning specimen)or when infection is due to Enterococcal species and some Staphylococcaland Pseudomonas species that do not convert nitrate to nitrite.Presence of ≥1 bacteria/oilimmersion field of unspun urine (unstained or Gram stain) from clean-catchmidstream specimen correlates with urine colony count of >105 CFUs/mL80–95% of the time. Urine Culture
Quantitative culture of properly collectedurine specimen establishes diagnosis of UTI, and susceptibilitytesting can be performed. Table15.1, based on data from many studies, is useful guidefor diagnosis of UTI. Table 15.1. Criteria for Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections
| Method of Collection | Colony Counta (Pure Culture) | Probability of Infection (%) |
| Suprapubic aspiration | Gram-negative bacilli: any number | >99 |
| Gram-positive cocci: > a few thousand | |
| Catheterization | >105 | 95 |
| 104–105 | Infection likely |
| 103–104 | Suspicious; repeat |
| <103 | Infection unlikely |
| Clean-voided (male) | >104 | Infection likely |
| Clean-voided (female) | 3 specimens: >105 | 95 |
| 2 specimens: >105 | 90 |
| 1 specimen: >105 | 80 |
| 5 × 104–105 | Suspicious; repeat |
| 104 to 5 × 104 | Symptomatic; suspicious; repeat |
| 104 to 5 ×104 | Asymptomatic; infection unlikely |
| <104 | Infection unlikely |
Radiologic Imaging
Differencesof opinion exist concerning usefulness of radiologic studies inevaluation of children with UTI. Studies are performed to searchfor anatomic abnormalities that may predispose to infection andalso to identify presence of vesicoureteral reflux.In our hospital when infant or childhas first UTI, initial studies include renal U/S in both girlsand boys followed by a radionuclide voiding cystourethrogram ingirls and contrast voiding cystourethrogram in boys.Use of renal cortical scintigraphyis controversial, but it can help diagnose acute pyelonephritisand identify renal scarring. >>
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Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006
Urinary Incontinence:
Clinical Features and Diagnosis
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
Maturational Delay
Most commoncause of primary urinary incontinence is lag in maturation of normal inhibitingmechanism of urine control. There is often family history of incontinence.Many children may achieve daytime controlbut still experience incontinence during sleep.This is a diagnosis of exclusion inan otherwise normal child who has no evidence of organic disease,no history of stress-related or psychologic disturbance, and normalUA and urine culture.At 5–10 yrs of age, spontaneouscure rate of nocturnal enuresis is about 15%/yr. Stress-Related Causes
Stress is frequent cause of secondary incontinence.Examples of stress-related factors are illness, separation, birthof sibling, attending new school, death of family member, divorcein family, and other personal and family problems. Once problemis recognized, proper support and counseling usually help with itsresolution. Urinary Tract Disorders
Urinary Tract Infection
May causenighttime and daytime incontinence.Other common findings include fever,dysuria, urinary frequency, abdominal or flank pain, and vomiting.Positive urine culture confirms diagnosis(see Chap. 15, Dysuria). Dysfunctional Voiding Disorders
Voidingdysfunction occurs in many children who do not have known organiccause (e.g., neurologic disorder, injury, or malformation).Although some children have small-capacitybladder and experience urgency and often incontinence, others havehyperreflexic bladder with uninhibited detrusor contractions duringfilling. Still others have large hypotonic bladder that does notempty completely with voiding.Failure to empty bladder results inchronically distended bladder that is prone to urinary tract infectionand overflow incontinence.Urinary urodynamic testing is helpfulin determining abnormality in each case. Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction
Can producebladder distension and overflow incontinence. Poor urinary streamwith dribbling and excessive straining with urination are prominentfeatures.Specific causes include posterior urethralvalves, urethral duplication, or urethral cyst.Combination of tests including renalU/S, intravenous urography, and voiding cystourethrographyusually can confirm diagnosis. Retrograde urethrography is generallyrequired for adequate evaluation of urethral duplication. Ectopic Ureter in Girls
Ectopicureter may empty into bladder neck, urethra, vagina, or, rarely,uterus with continuous leakage of small amount of urine. Child hasnormal voiding habits but is frequently wet.Because of frequent occurrence of completeureteral duplication and associated renal parenchymal dysplasiain segment drained by ectopic ureter, renal U/S, intravenousurography, and voiding cystourethrography are useful in evaluation.If diagnosis remains uncertain afterthese studies, but ectopic ureter is still suspected, magnetic resonanceurography may be diagnostic. Cystoscopy can help identify ureteralorifice if it is in urethra, whereas vaginoscopy may be needed ifureter empties into vagina. Neurologic Disorders
Mental Retardation
Although children with mild mental retardationmay have voluntary control of urination, they may have incontinencefor behavioral reasons, while those with severe retardation usuallylack voluntary control of urination. Neurogenic Bladder
Lower extremityweakness, gait disturbance, fecal incontinence, decreased or absent perianalsensation, and lack of normal anal sphincter tone are common findingsin children with neurogenic bladder.Bladder size can be small, normal,or large, but usually it is small with thick wall.Evaluation of urinary tract may includerenal U/S, voiding cystourethrography, and urodynamic testing.Spinal dysraphism, a common cause ofneurogenic bladder in children, includes myelomeningocele, congenitaldermal sinus, diastematomyelia, and tethered cord syndrome.Myelomeningoceleand dermal sinus tract are visible on physical exam.Diastematomyelia is the splitting ofspinal cord at 1 or more vertebral levels, usually by bony or fibrousspur in spinal canal. The bone spicule may be detectable on spineradiography, but MRI is definitive imaging procedure.Tethering of spinal cord maintainsabnormally low position of cord and prevents its normal ascent.Lipoma, dermoid cyst, or dermal sinus tract are associated lesions,and MRI is diagnostic. Other causes of neurogenic bladderare sacral agenesis, spinal cord injury, and spinal cord tumors.Failure to palpate sacrum and coccyxsuggest sacral agenesis. Radiography of lumbosacral spine showsabsence of sacral segments.History of trauma exists with spinalcord injury.Tumors affecting spinal cord are discussedin Chap. 5, Back Pain. Abdominal or Pelvic Mass
Abdominal or pelvic mass (fecal impaction,mesenteric cyst, presacral teratoma) that impinges on bladder cancause urinary incontinence during running, laughing, coughing, orlifting. Abdominal or pelvic U/S is most useful screeningtest. Polyuria
Childrenwith diabetes mellitus may have incontinence, especially at night,if they have persistent hyperglycemia that is difficult to control.Other causes of polyuria are diabetes insipidus and psychogenicpolydipsia.Diabetes insipidus is associated withdefect in urine-concentrating ability. Random sample of urine withspecific gravity of >1.028 rules out concentration defect.Even specific gravity of >1.020 on random or early-morningurine sample is evidence of good concentrating ability and againstconcentrating defect.Children with persistent polyuria mayhave structural and functional changes in bladder, which contributeto voiding dysfunction.See Chap.47, Polyuria and Polydipsia. Primary Psychologic Disturbance
Urine incontinence occurs in some childrenwith primary psychologic problems (e.g., depression, a severe personalityor behavioral disorder, or psychosis). History, physical exam, clinicalobservation, and psychologic testing are diagnostic. Diagnostic Approach
Thoughtfullistening to parents and child usually reveals maturational, stress-related, orother psychologic factors that contribute to urinary incontinence.History, physical exam, UA (includingmeasurement of specific gravity), and urine culture screen for organicdisorders and are helpful in pinpointing the cause of urinary incontinence.Physical exam should include observation of any gait disturbance,exam of sacrum, and testing of perianal sensation, anal sphinctertone, and lower extremity strength, sensation, and reflexes.Abdominal U/S is useful forsuspected lower urinary tract obstruction, ectopic ureter, and abdominalor pelvic mass. Urinary urodynamic testing helps distinguish varioustypes of dysfunctional voiding disorders. CT and MRI are usefulin diagnosis of lesions that cause neurogenic bladder.
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Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006
Anuria:
History and physical examination
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Take the patient's vital signs and obtain a complete history. First, ask about changes in his voiding pattern. Determine the amount of fluid he normally ingests each day, the amount of fluid he ingested in the last 24 to 48 hours, and the time and amount of his last urination. Review his medical history, noting previous kidney disease, urinary tract obstruction or infection, prostate enlargement, renal calculi, neurogenic bladder, or congenital abnormalities. Ask about drug use and about abdominal, renal, or urinary tract surgery.
Inspect and palpate the abdomen for asymmetry, distention, or bulging. Inspect the flank area for edema or erythema, and percuss and palpate the bladder. Palpate the kidneys anteriorly and posteriorly, and percuss them at the costovertebral angle. Auscultate over the renal arteries, listening for bruits.
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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Bladder distention:
History and physical examination
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
If distention isn't severe, begin by reviewing the patient's voiding patterns. Find out the time and amount of the patient's last voiding and the amount of fluid consumed since then. Ask if he has difficulty urinating. Does he use Valsalva's maneuver or Credé's method to initiate urination? Does he urinate with urgency or without warning? Is urination painful or irritating? Ask about the force and continuity of his urine stream and whether he feels that his bladder is empty after voiding.
Explore the patient's history of urinary tract obstruction or infections; venereal disease; neurologic, intestinal, or pelvic surgery; lower abdominal or urinary tract trauma; and systemic or neurologic disorders. Note his drug history, including his use of over-the-counter drugs and herbal medicines.
Take the patient's vital signs, and percuss and palpate the bladder. (Remember that if the bladder is empty, it can't be palpated through the abdominal wall.) Inspect the urethral meatus, and measure its diameter. Describe the appearance and amount of any discharge. Finally, test for perineal sensation and anal sphincter tone; in male patients, digitally examine the prostate gland.
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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Dysuria:
History and physical examination
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
If the patient complains of dysuria, have him describe its severity and location. When did he first notice it? Did anything precipitate it? Does anything aggravate or alleviate it?
Next, ask about previous urinary or genital tract infections. Has the patient recently undergone an invasive procedure, such as cystoscopy or urethral dilatation, or had a urinary catheter placed? Also ask if he has a history of intestinal disease. Ask the female patient about menstrual disorders and the use of products that irritate the urinary tract, such as bubble bath salts, feminine deodorants, contraceptive gels, or perineal lotions. Also ask her about vaginal discharge or pruritus.
During the physical examination, inspect the urethral meatus for discharge, irritation, or other abnormalities. A pelvic or rectal examination may be necessary.
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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Oliguria:
History and physical examination
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Begin by asking the patient about his usual daily voiding pattern, including frequency and amount. When did he first notice changes in this pattern and in the color, odor, or consistency of his urine? Ask about pain or burning on urination. Has the patient had a fever? Note his normal daily fluid intake. Has he recently been drinking more or less than usual? Has his intake of caffeine or alcohol changed drastically? Has he had recent episodes of diarrhea or vomiting that might cause fluid loss? Next, explore associated complaints, especially fatigue, loss of appetite, thirst, dyspnea, chest pain, or recent weight gain or loss (in dehydration).
Check for a history of renal, urinary tract, or cardiovascular disorders. Note recent traumatic injury or surgery associated with significant blood loss as well as recent blood transfusions. Was the patient exposed to nephrotoxic agents, such as heavy metals, organic solvents, anesthetics, or radiographic contrast media? Next, obtain a drug history.
Begin the physical examination by taking the patient's vital signs and weighing him. Assess his overall appearance for edema. Palpate both kidneys for tenderness and enlargement, and percuss for costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness. Also, inspect the flank area for edema or erythema. Auscultate the heart and lungs for abnormal sounds and the flank area for renal artery bruits. Assess the patient for edema or signs of dehydration such as dry mucous membranes.
Obtain a urine specimen and inspect it for abnormal color, odor, or sediment. Use reagent strips to test for glucose, protein, and blood. Also, use a urinometer to measure specific gravity.
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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Urinary hesitancy:
History and physical examination
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Ask the patient when he first noticed hesitancy and if he has ever had the problem before. Ask about other urinary problems, especially reduced force or interruption of the urine stream. Ask if he has ever been treated for a prostate problem or UTI or obstruction. Obtain a drug history.
Inspect the patient's urethral meatus for inflammation, discharge, and other abnormalities. Examine the anal sphincter and test sensation in the perineum. Obtain a clean-catch specimen for urinalysis and culture. In a male patient, the prostate gland requires palpation. A female patient requires a gynecologic examination.
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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Urinary incontinence:
History and physical examination
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Ask the patient when he first noticed the incontinence and whether it began suddenly or gradually. Have him describe his typical urinary pattern: Does incontinence usually occur during the day or at night? Does he have any urinary control, or is he totally incontinent? If he can occasionally control urination, ask him the usual times and amounts voided. Determine his normal fluid intake. Ask about other urinary problems, such as hesitancy, frequency, urgency, nocturia, and decreased force or interruption of the urine stream. Also ask if he has ever sought treatment for incontinence or found a way to deal with it himself.
Obtain a medical history, especially noting urinary tract infection (UTI), prostate conditions, spinal injury or tumor, stroke, or surgery involving the bladder, prostate, or pelvic floor. Ask a woman how many pregnancies she has had and how many childbirths. A diary of voiding habits for a 24- to 48-hour period may provide useful information. Obtain a complete drug history.
After completing the history, have the patient empty his bladder. Inspect the urethral meatus for obvious inflammation or anatomic defect. Have female patients bear down; note any urine leakage. Gently palpate the abdomen for bladder distention, which signals urine retention. Perform a complete neurologic assessment, noting motor and sensory function and obvious muscle atrophy.
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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
DYSURIA:
Approach to the Diagnosis
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)
The approach to the diagnosis includes a urinalysis, urine cultures,
smear and culture of any discharge, an IVP, voiding cystogram and
cystoscopy, and cystometric examination. In women with “negative”
cultures, Chlamydia urethritis must be considered and treated. In men with negative
cultures, prostatic examination, massage, and evaluation of discharge are
done. Massage of the prostate should be avoided in acute prostatitis.
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Source: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, 2007
ANURIA AND OLIGURIA:
Approach to the Diagnosis
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)
The clinical picture will be helpful in determining the cause of
anuria. In cases of prerenal azotemia, there will be decreased skin turgor
and orthostatic hypotension if the cause is volume depletion. If the cause
is CHF, there will be jugular vein distention, hepatomegaly, and pedal
edema. Patients with postrenal azotemia may have an enlarged prostate, a
distended bladder, and other signs of obstructive uropathy. Patients with
renal azotemia may have bilateral flank masses (polycystic kidney),
hypertension, peripheral emboli (embolic glomerulonephritis), or a rash
(collagen disease, interstitial nephritis).
The initial workup includes a CBC; urinalysis; urine culture and
sensitivity; personal examination of the urine for casts, and so forth;
chemistry panel; spot urine sodium; serum and urine osmolality; flat plate
of the abdomen for kidney size; chest x-ray; and ECG. The bladder is
catheterized for residual urine; if this is significant, postrenal azotemia
is likely and a urologist is consulted. He will most likely do a cystoscopy
and retrograde pyelography after the patient’s condition is stabilized. Ultrasonography can be used to
determine if there is significant residual urine also.
The laboratory studies will determine whether there is prerenal or renal
azotemia. If the sodium concentration in the spot urine is less than 10
meq/L, prerenal azotemia is likely. Also, in prerenal azotemia, the
BUN/creatinine ratio is 20:1 or greater and the urine osmolality is 450 mOsm
per kilogram of water or greater. The urine sediment will show granular and
red cell casts in most cases of renal azotemia, and the BUN/creatinine ratio
will be 10:1 or less.
Further workup will depend on what the presumptive diagnosis is. If volume
depletion is the cause, intravenous saline and plasma volume expanders are
given while carefully monitoring the urine output. If this is ineffective,
furosemide and a mannitol drip can be utilized to reestablish urine output.
If these measures are ineffective, the patient obviously has a renal cause
for his or her anuria, and a urologist should be consulted.
Renal causes can be differentiated by further workup. If intravascular
hemolysis is suspected, a serum haptoglobin test should be ordered. If dissecting aneurysm or bilateral renal artery
stenosis is suspected, aortography and angiography would be done. If
polycystic kidney disease is suspected, ultrasonography or CT scan of the
abdomen may be done. Eosinophilia of the blood or urine will be found in
drug-induced nephritis. If a collagen disease is suspected, one should order
an ANA, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody titer, or lupus erythematosus
cell prep. A renal biopsy may also be necessary in these and many other
disorders.
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Source: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, 2007
INCONTINENCE, URINARY:
Approach to the Diagnosis
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)
First, exclude stress incontinence with a pad test. Perineal pads are
weighed before and after walking and stress for 30 minutes. An increase in
weight identifies urine loss. Catheterization and examination, smear, and
culture of the urine are essential at the outset. Cystoscopy and cystometric
studies are often needed. Surgical repair of a cystocele or a
parasympathomimetic drug in cases of a flaccid neurogenic bladder and
propantheline bromide (ProBanthine), a parasympatholytic drug, for spastic
neurogenic bladders may be all that is necessary. A neurologist and
urologist often need to cooperate in the diagnosis and treatment of these
unfortunate individuals.
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Source: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, 2007
FREQUENCY AND URGENCY OF URINATION:
Approach to the Diagnosis
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)
This is no problem. Examine a drop of unspun urine under the
microscope. More than 1 or 2 motile bacteria per high-power field (HPF) is
diagnostic of UTI. Then culture the urine, catheterize for residual urine,
and do an IVP and voiding cystogram. A cystoscopy may be necessary. If these
are negative for abnormal findings, it is a good idea to collect a 24-hour
specimen; if the amount of urine exceeds 5 L, check the response to
pitressin. Special cultures for Chlamydia should be done if all else fails. The
workup of polyuria can
proceed further, if necessary.
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Source: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, 2007
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