Nursing Interventions to Encourage Normal Urinary Elimination Heather Nelson, RN

Interventions to maintain normal urinary elimination include:  Maintain an adequate fluid intake.  Promote normal voiding habits.

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.

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.

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.

Voiding Habits  Hospital routines and prescribed medical therapies can interfere with a patient’s normal voiding habits.  Assist patient with bedpans or with getting to the bedside commode or toilet, if needed.