Urinary Elimination
This term refers to the production of abnormally large amounts of urine, often leading to dehydration and weight loss.
“What is polyuria?”
Rationale: Polyuria indicates excessive urinary output and increases risk for fluid imbalance.
This wavelike muscular action moves food and waste through the GI tract.
“What is peristalsis?”
Rationale:
Peristalsis is essential for digestion and propulsion of stool.
Pain from this inflammatory bowel condition is most commonly felt in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen.
“What is diverticulitis?”
Rationale:
The sigmoid colon—common site of diverticula—lies in the LLQ.
This androgen derivative is the hormone primarily responsible for prostate enlargement in BPH.
“What is dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?”
Rationale:
DHT stimulates prostate cell proliferation.
This condition occurs when intestinal contents cannot move through the small or large bowel.
“What is a bowel obstruction?”
Rationale:
Either mechanical or functional causes can block the intestinal lumen.
This nighttime pattern of urination becomes more common with aging and bladder capacity changes.
“What is nocturia?”
Rationale:
Older adults often excrete more fluid at night due to renal and hormonal changes.
Defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week or hard, difficult-to-pass stools, this condition is common in people with decreased activity or low fiber intake.
“What is constipation?”
Rationale:
Slowed transit allows excess water absorption, creating hard stool.
This imaging modality, especially when performed with contrast, is the gold standard for diagnosing diverticulitis.
“What is a CT scan?”
Rationale:
CT detects inflammation, perforation, and abscesses.
Weak urinary stream, hesitancy, and dribbling are examples of these types of urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
“What are voiding symptoms?”
Rationale:
Obstruction from prostate enlargement blocks urine flow.
Adhesions, hernias, tumors, volvulus, and intussusception are examples of causes of this type of obstruction.
“What is a mechanical bowel obstruction?”
Rationale:
Mechanical causes physically block the intestine.
The kidneys and ureters make up this portion of the urinary system.
“What is the upper urinary tract?”
Rationale:
The upper tract transports newly formed urine to the bladder.
This inability to voluntarily control the expulsion of feces or gas often results from neurological disorders or anorectal trauma.
“What is bowel incontinence?”
Rationale:
Damage to nerves or sphincters impairs voluntary control.
This diagnostic procedure should NOT be performed during acute diverticulitis because it increases the risk of colon perforation.
“What is a colonoscopy?”
Rationale:
Air insufflation can rupture an inflamed diverticulum.
This simple clinical exam allows the healthcare provider to assess prostate size and detect abnormalities.
“What is a digital rectal exam (DRE)?”
Rationale:
DRE is routinely used to screen for enlargement and nodules.
Also known as paralytic ileus, this type of obstruction occurs when peristalsis stops even though no physical blockage is present.
“What is a functional obstruction?”
Rationale:
Postoperative ileus and certain medications can impair peristalsis.
This diagnostic measurement, taken after voiding, helps determine whether the bladder is emptying properly.
“What is a post-void residual?”
Rationale:
Elevated PVR indicates urinary retention or incomplete emptying.
When bowel contents move through too quickly, this condition results and may cause cramping, electrolyte imbalance, and skin breakdown.
“What is diarrhea?”
Rationale:
Rapid transit decreases absorption of fluids and nutrients.
During the acute phase of diverticulitis, patients should avoid fiber and follow this type of diet to reduce bowel activity.
“What are clear liquids?” (or “What is a low-residue diet?”)
Rationale: Bowel rest helps decrease inflammation.
Medications in this drug class relax smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck to improve urinary flow.
“What are alpha-adrenergic blockers?”
Rationale:
They reduce resistance at the bladder outlet.
If left untreated, bowel obstruction can lead to this severe complication due to impaired blood flow and rising intraluminal pressure.
“What is bowel necrosis or perforation?”
Rationale:
Compromised tissue can die or rupture.
Patients with this neurological condition may not perceive bladder fullness and are unable to control urinary sphincters.
“What is neurogenic bladder?”
Rationale:
Neurological disruption impairs recognition of bladder filling and voluntary voiding.
This natural increase in colonic peristalsis shortly after eating becomes especially important for older adults, who must respond promptly to avoid constipation.
“What is the gastrocolic reflex?”
Rationale:
Ignoring the reflex leads to prolonged stool retention and hardening in older adults with already slowed motility.
Abscess, fistula, obstruction, perforation, and peritonitis are all potential complications of this GI condition if left untreated.
“What is diverticulitis?”
Rationale:
Inflammation and necrosis of diverticula can progress to rupture and systemic infection.
This surgical procedure, the most common for BPH, removes obstructive prostate tissue via the urethra.
“What is TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)?”
Rationale:
TURP effectively decreases urinary obstruction by removing excess tissue.
Abdominal distention, pain, vomiting, constipation, and absence of flatus are classic signs of this potentially life-threatening GI issue.
“What is bowel obstruction?”
Rationale:
Gas and fluids accumulate above the blockage, impairing intestinal function.