Urinary Problems

Dashboard

Symptoms

Urinary Problems

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

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

Common issues

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

Common Symptoms

A 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

B Urinary Retention:
Decreasing volume of urine
More frequent, smaller amounts
New incontinence
Pain in pelvis, Lowe 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

C Urinary Incontinence:
Soiling bed, clothes

Common Causes
Urinary tract infection
Urinary retention
Diuretics (water pills)- especially if given at night
Excess fluid inake
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