False reading of retained urine from a bladder scan.
This case study describes bladder scan findings in an 88-year-old female patient with heart failure and decreased level of consciousness who experienced decreased urinary output. The actions of the nurse demonstrate how gaps between assessment findings and expected outcomes must be investigated further. This case provides an example of the daily need for critical thinking by nurses to promote positive patient outcomes.
Morrell
Gregory A
GA
Gregory A. Morrell, RN, is a Nurse, Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, Community Hospital Campus, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center--McKeesport, McKeesport, PA, USA.
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001201:Ascites / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000150:complications; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D011340:Problem Solving; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000451:nursing; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000451:nursing; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*