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Week 3: Elimination

Mrs. Jones is complaining of constipation which has developed as a result of immobility and change of diet. She has been prescribed an oral stool softener and needs to be encouraged with oral fluids.

Also, due to her bedrest she has developed urinary retention and this morning has had an indwelling urinary catheter (IDC) inserted. When you commence your afternoon shift you note that her urine is cloudy and sedimented. You collect a sterile sample of urine from her IDC to send to the laboratory for microscopy, culture and sensitivity (M, C & S). You also perform a urinalysis.

Mrs. Jones observations at 1400hrs were:

• temp 37.9 C pa
• pulse 98/min
• resps 16/min
• BP 128/65

This week in the nursing laboratories students will:

1. Explore the management and care of indwelling catheters.
2. Obtain a sample of urine (CSU) to send to the laboratory for M, C & S.
3. Perform a urinalysis and document the findings in the patient’s chart.
4. Document Mrs. Jones intake and output on the fluid balance chart.
5. Obtain a specimen of faeces for testing, and test it for occult blood.
6. Observe and then undertake administration of an enema/suppository.
7. Investigate care of an ileostomy/colostomy.
8. Document Mrs. Jones’ Nursing care in the progress notes.