Nursing Interventions to Encourage Normal Urinary Elimination

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Nursing Interventions to Encourage Normal Urinary
Elimination

• Heather Nelson, RN

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Interventions to maintain normal urinary
elimination include

• Maintain an adequate fluid intake.
• Promote normal voiding habits.

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Fluid Intake

• Increasing fluid intake increases urine
  production.
• A normal, average daily intake of 1200 to 1500 ml
  of fluids is adequate for most patients.
• Dilute urine helps prevent urinary tract stones
  and infection.

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Fluid Intake

• Immobilized patients may require fluid intakes of
  2000 to 3000 ml per day to prevent calculi
  formation.
• Limited fluid intakes may be necessary for
  patients on fluid restrictions such as those with
  renal impairment or congestive heart failure.

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Fluid Intake

• Fluid intake can also be increased by encouraging
  the patient to eat plenty of raw fruits and
  vegetables, which have a high water content.

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Voiding Habits

• Hospital routines and prescribed medical
  therapies can interfere with a patients normal
  voiding habits.
• Assist patient with bedpans or with getting to
  the bedside commode or toilet, if needed.