Urinary retention

Definition

Urinary retention is the inability to completely or partially empty the bladder. It can be acute or chronic and requires medical intervention.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Urinary retention can be caused by medications such as anticholinergics, which inhibit bladder contractions.
2. Chronic urinary retention may require catheterization to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
3. Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency that often requires immediate catheterization to relieve bladder pressure.
4. Urinary antispasmodics like oxybutynin are used to treat conditions that cause spasms in the bladder muscles, potentially leading to urinary retention.
5. Diagnosis of urinary retention often involves measuring post-void residual volume using ultrasound.

Review Questions

• What types of medications are known to cause urinary retention?
• How is acute urinary retention typically managed in a clinical setting?
• What diagnostic method is commonly used to measure post-void residual volume?

Related terms

Catheterization: A procedure where a tube is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine.

Anticholinergics:

Medications that block acetylcholine receptors, reducing muscle spasms and secretions.

Oxybutynin:

A medication used as an antispasmodic for treating overactive bladder symptoms.