title: Anatomy and physiology of urinary elimination. Part 1.
abstract: Elimination of urine is an essential bodily function, but independence in this activity may be affected by physical and mental disability. Part 1 of this article discusses the anatomy and physiology of the renal and urinary tract and the production of urine. Urinalysis is a vital nursing assessment and the collection of specimens and the range of tests undertaken are outlined. Assisting patients to use the toilet, commode or bedpan is an essential nursing skill. The importance of sensitivity, empathy and moving and handling risk assessment is discussed, and the assessment and management of urinary tract infection and urinary tract stones are addressed. The importance of prevention of cross infection for nurses and patients is highlighted throughout the article.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Social Science, University of Bedfordshire.
authors.forename: Glynis Collis
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Pellatt
mesh_terms: D003950:Diagnostic Techniques, Urological / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D009399:Nephrons / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011322:Primary Prevention; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016482:Urinalysis / Q000451:nursing; D014545:Urinary Calculi / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014553:Urinary Tract Physiological Phenomena; D014554:Urination / Q000502:physiology*; D014563:Urodynamics