Urinary Infection
Aging is associated with the reduction of the weight of the kidneys. This affects the rate of blood filtration by the kidney. As people age, their kidney supplying arteries narrow and constrict. This affects the blood supply to the kidney, which, in turn, contributes to the reduction of the size of the kidney. The result of this is that the nephronsâ ability to excrete waste products from the kidney declines (Jarzembowski et al., 2018). The kidney is also rendered unable to dilute or concentrate urine as well as eliminate acid.
Age-Related Changes and Common Urine Function Problems and Conditions
As one ages, his or her kidney functions decrease through they can still perform their excretory functions. Nonetheless, the filtration of waste products is significantly reduced with time. This implies that nurses must consider the drug use of such patients. There are also visible changes in the bladder, particularly the increase in the frequency and urgency to empty its contents. The bladder is easily irritated when one consumes such foods as caffeine, acidic and spicy foods as well as sugar.
Types of Age-related Urine Function Disorders
Swelling or inflammation of the kidney can be attributed to glomerulonephritis conditions. However, the most common cause of urinary problems among the aged is diabetes. Even in situations where diabetes is managed properly, the nerves and blood vessels can still be damaged, leading to urinary disorders. On the other hand, failure to treat urinary tract infections can cause the disease to spread to the kidneys. UTI is most common among elderly women and should be treated as soon as it is suspected to avoid more problems.
Urinary incontinence refers to the leaking of urine from the patientâs bladder uncontrollably. This has the risk of increasing the occurrence of urinary tract infections. Problems that are linked to urine passage should be closely checked by the doctor since they may imply more severe kidney problems or other worse conditions like enlarged prostate, particularly in men. Renovascular disease refers to the deposition of cholesterol, calcium, and fatty acids as well as other substances within the inner arteries (Saint & Chopra, 2019). This results in the blocking or narrowing of the renal artery, which leads to reduced functions of the kidney and high blood pressure. Most elderly people with urine dysfunctional problems suffer from this disease. Meanwhile, if left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to stroke, kidney damage, heart attack, and loss of vision.
Urine Function Disorder Nursing Management
Age-related urine function disorders can rarely be avoided as people age. This means that treatment is the only nursing intervention available to manage them. There are various forms of treatments including the use of antibiotics, avoiding irritants or trauma, radiation therapy, and bladder support devices (Chwaet al., 2019). Surgery is necessary when it comes to the removal of cancer, reinforcement of weakened structures, and repairing injuries.
References
Chwa, A., Kavanagh, K., & Linnebur, S. A. (2019). Evaluation of methenamine for urinary tract infection prevention in older adults: a review of the evidence. Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety. Web.
Jarzembowski, T., Daca, A., & Dębska-SĚlizienĚ, M. A. (2018). Urinary tract infection: The result of the strength of the pathogen, or the weakness of the host. IntechOpen.
Saint, S., & Chopra, V. (2019). The Saint-Chopra guide to inpatient medicine. Oxford University Press.