Urinary Problems

Problems/symptoms from the urinary tract are very common in patients at end of life.

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Supplies to have

  • Diapers/depends- ask the nurse how to use and how to dispose
  • Equipment for catheter if in place
  • Bedside commode
  • Sanitary wipes/cleansing cloths

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Common issues

  • Infections
  • Incontinence
  • Retention - inability to urinate
  • Problems with catheter
  • Blood in urine

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Common Symptoms

Infection:

  • Cloudy/foul smelling urine

  • Pain with urination fever

  • Increasing confusion, agitation

  • Blood (Sometimes)

Common Causes

  • Urinary retention

  • Clogged catheter

  • Declining health- lowered immune system

Urinary Retention:

  • Decreasing volume of urine

  • More frequent, smaller amounts

  • New incontinence

  • Pain in pelvis, Lower abdomen

Common Causes

  • Catheter kinked or clogged

  • Medications - some may cause issues (Check medications list here)

  • For men: enlarging prostate, prostate infection

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Kidney/bladder stones

  • Severe constipation/impaction

Urinary Incontinence:

  • Soiling bed, clothes

Common Causes

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Urinary retention

  • Diuretics (water pills)- especially if given at night

  • Excess fluid intake

  • Severe constipation/impaction

  • New neurologic event- stroke

What To Do

Make sure catheter is working - ask Hospice

Check if drinking too much fluids and if water pills are being given correctly

Check medication list to see if taking any medications known to cause issues

If there are signs of infection- call Hospice

Check if has had a bowel movement in last 2 days

Talk to your Hospice Team about any of these issues or medications you are worried about

When to Call the Hospice

Pain

Blood

No urine for more than 8 hours

Fever

Increasing confusion/agitation

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