What it means
Urine stays in the bladderBLAD-erThe hollow, stretchy organ in the lower belly that stores urine until it leaves the body.cyst/o bladder (as in cystitis)Full entry because the person cannot pass it. It can come on suddenly, with a full, painful bladder and no urine coming out, or slowly over time, with a weak stream and frequent small amounts. Causes include benign prostatic hyperplasiabee-NINE proh-STAT-ik hy-per-PLAY-zhuhA prostate gland that has grown larger than normal, from growth that is not cancer.hyper- more than normalplas growth or formation-ia conditionFull entry , surgery and anesthesiaan-us-THEE-zhuhLoss of feeling or sensation, often brought on by drugs so that surgery or a procedure can be done without pain.an- withoutesthesi/o feeling, sensation-ia conditionFull entry , some drugs (such as opioids and anticholinergics) and nerve damage.
For the nurse
Feel above the pubic bone for a full bladder, ask about discomfort, and measure the urine left in the bladder with a bladder scanner as ordered. After surgery or catheter removal, report a client who has not passed urine within the time set by policy, usually 6 to 8 hours.
In a chart
"Unable to void 7 hours after catheter removal; bladder scan shows 650 mL; provider notified."
At a glance
| Spanish | retención urinaria |
|---|---|
| Also written | urinary-retention, retention of urine |
Related terms
indwelling urinary catheter
A tube passed through the urethra into the bladder and left in place to drain urine into a bag.
incontinence
Loss of control over the bladder or bowel, so urine or stool leaks out without the person meaning it to.
bladder
The hollow, stretchy organ in the lower belly that stores urine until it leaves the body.
benign prostatic hyperplasia
A prostate gland that has grown larger than normal, from growth that is not cancer.