CBUNA CURN key terms

The outer layer of the kidney containing the glomeruli and most proximal and distal tubules; it is the site where blood filtration begins and where most reabsorption occurs.

The functional unit of the kidney, roughly one million per kidney, consisting of a glomerulus and its tubule; each unit filters plasma and adjusts the filtrate to form urine.

The volume of plasma filtered by all glomeruli per minute, normally about 125 mL/min; it is the key index of kidney function and is estimated from serum creatinine for staging.

The smooth muscle layer of the bladder wall that contracts during voiding to expel urine and relaxes during filling to store it at low pressure.

The ring of smooth and skeletal muscle around the urethra that maintains continence by keeping urethral pressure higher than bladder pressure; the external portion is under voluntary control.

The smooth triangular area of the bladder base bounded by the two ureteral orifices and the internal urethral meatus; it is highly sensitive to stretch and irritation.

A calculated or measured value describing how much plasma is cleared of creatinine per minute; it approximates glomerular filtration and requires a timed urine collection plus a serum sample.

The volume of urine left in the bladder after a void, measured by bladder scan or catheterization; a persistently elevated value suggests incomplete emptying or outlet obstruction.

A noninvasive ultrasound device that estimates bladder volume through the abdominal wall; it is used to screen for retention before and after voiding or catheter removal.

A running documentation of all fluids taken in and excreted, including oral, intravenous, and irrigation fluids and urine, emesis, and drain output; it supports assessment of hydration and renal function.

A structured communication format covering Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation; it is used to convey urinary or renal concerns concisely and completely during transfers of care.

A person's ability to obtain, understand, and act on health information; low literacy affects comprehension of catheter care and medication instructions and should prompt plain-language teaching and teach-back.

A teaching technique in which the patient explains or demonstrates the instruction in their own words; it confirms understanding and corrects misunderstandings before the patient self-manages at home.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection, defined as a urinary tract infection occurring in a patient who has or recently had an indwelling catheter, with no other likely source; prevention focuses on avoiding unnecessary catheters.

A catheter setup in which urine flows into a sealed collection bag without opening to air; maintaining the seal and dependent drainage reduces the risk of organisms ascending into the bladder.

A flexible tube with an inflatable balloon retained in the bladder to drain urine continuously; it requires a documented indication, daily review, and aseptic insertion and maintenance.

Draining the bladder by passing a single-use catheter at scheduled intervals and removing it immediately; it is the preferred option for many people with incomplete emptying.

Practices that keep equipment and the insertion site free of microorganisms, including hand hygiene, sterile gloves, and sterile supplies; it is required for catheter insertion and invasive urologic procedures.

A technique in which the patient inserts a catheter into their own urethra or stoma to empty the bladder; teaching includes hand hygiene, lubrication, angle of insertion, and a predictable schedule.

A group of studies measuring bladder and urethral pressure, flow, and volume during filling and voiding; results distinguish storage problems from emptying problems and guide treatment.

A noninvasive test in which the patient voids into a device that records urine flow rate over time; a low, prolonged flow pattern suggests outlet obstruction or weak detrusor contraction.

Direct visual examination of the urethra and bladder with a flexible or rigid scope; it allows biopsy, stone removal, and evaluation of hematuria or suspected tumor.

Microscopic examination of voided urine for abnormal or malignant cells; it is used as an adjunct in evaluating hematuria and monitoring high-grade urothelial cancer, not as a stand-alone diagnosis.

A protein produced by prostate tissue and measured in blood; it can rise with benign enlargement, prostatitis, or prostate cancer, so results are interpreted with examination and biopsy rather than alone.

The inability to empty the bladder adequately, ranging from difficulty voiding to acute painful retention with a distended bladder; it may require immediate drainage and evaluation for obstruction.

Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that narrows the urethra and causes lower urinary tract symptoms such as hesitancy, weak stream, frequency, and incomplete emptying.

A malignant tumor arising in prostate tissue, often slow growing and initially asymptomatic; treatment options range from active surveillance to surgery and radiation and carry continence and sexual side effects.

A growth in the bladder lining, most often urothelial carcinoma, that commonly presents with painless visible hematuria; diagnosis and follow-up rely on cystoscopy and urine testing.

Blood in the urine, either visible or detected on dipstick or microscopy; visible hematuria without infection warrants evaluation for urologic malignancy or stones.

Surgical removal of the entire prostate, often with surrounding tissue, to treat localized prostate cancer; risks include urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, which need pre-operative counseling.

A surgically created route for urine to leave the body when the bladder is removed or bypassed, such as an ileal conduit or a continent reservoir; the type chosen affects appliances and self-care.

A diversion in which a short segment of ileum is used to carry urine from the ureters to an opening on the abdomen; urine drains continuously into an external pouch.

A stoma on the abdominal wall through which urine exits after diversion surgery; care includes a secure skin barrier, a properly sized pouch, and monitoring the stoma and surrounding skin.

The pouch and skin barrier system attached over a urostomy to collect urine; correct fit and seal protect the skin and prevent leakage and odor.

The skin immediately surrounding a stoma; it should be intact and free of redness or breakdown, and problems usually signal a poor seal, leakage, or candidiasis.

Leakage of urine with increases in abdominal pressure such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting, caused by weakness of urethral support or sphincter function.

Involuntary bladder muscle contractions during filling that cause urgency and urge incontinence; it is identified on urodynamic testing and managed with bladder training and medication.

A continuous flow of sterile irrigant through a three-way catheter to keep urine clear and prevent clot retention after bladder surgery; the rate is adjusted to the drainage color.

Blockage of urine flow by blood clots, often after bladder or prostate surgery; it presents as pain, distension, and falling output and requires irrigation to restore drainage.

A catheter with an inflow channel, an outflow channel, and a balloon port, used for continuous bladder irrigation; aseptic technique and strict inflow and outflow accounting are essential.

Delivery of medication directly into the bladder through a catheter, used for chemotherapy or immunotherapy of bladder cancer; the patient is taught to retain and then void the agent safely.

A drug class that reduces detrusor contractions to treat urgency and urge incontinence; common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and confusion in older adults.

A behavioral program of scheduled voiding and gradual interval lengthening that helps the patient regain control of urgency and frequency; it is often paired with pelvic floor exercises.

Repeated voluntary contractions of the muscles that support the bladder and urethra, taught with correct technique, to reduce stress leakage and improve sphincter control.

The relationship between fluid taken in and lost from the body; in urologic care it guides monitoring of output, hydration, and the effect of diuretics or irrigation.

The legally defined activities a licensed clinician may perform, set by state law, licensure, and employer policy; it determines what urologic tasks can be delegated or performed independently.

Assigning a task to another team member while retaining accountability for the outcome; the delegator must confirm the task is within the person's training and legal authority.

A patient's voluntary agreement to a procedure after receiving and understanding information about its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives, given without coercion.