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.