Urology Nursing Guide

GCC Edition — DHA / DOH / SCFHS / QCHP Exam Preparation

GCC Urology Evidence-Based
Urinary Catheters

Indications & Sizing

Catheter SizeClinical Use
12–14 FrFemales, children, narrow urethra
14–16 FrRoutine adult catheterisation
18–20 FrPost-TURP, haematuria, clot evacuation
22–24 FrThree-way irrigation catheter

Valid Indications: Urinary retention, perioperative (selected surgeries), hourly output monitoring in critically ill, haematuria irrigation, neurogenic bladder, sacral/perineal wound management.

Avoid: Catheterisation solely for nursing convenience or incontinence management — this is not a valid indication per HICPAC guidelines.

CAUTI Prevention Bundle

HICPAC

  • 1. Daily indication review — document & remove promptly
  • 2. Aseptic insertion — sterile technique at placement
  • 3. Maintain closed drainage — never disconnect unnecessarily
  • 4. Perineal hygiene — soap & water, meatal care twice daily
  • 5. Dependent drainage — bag below bladder level at all times
  • 6. Avoid routine irrigation — only if obstruction expected
  • 7. Hand hygiene — before and after any catheter manipulation
Male Urethral Catheterisation — Step-by-Step Technique
  1. Obtain informed consent; explain procedure; ensure privacy and dignity.
  2. Assemble sterile catheterisation pack, correct catheter size, sterile gloves, lignocaine gel 10–15 mL (anaesthetic/lubricant).
  3. Position patient supine, expose only as needed. Place sterile drape.
  4. Don sterile gloves. Cleanse glans and urethral meatus with normal saline (top-to-base strokes).
  5. Hold penis at 90° to abdomen (stretches urethra). Instil lignocaine gel; wait 3–5 minutes for anaesthetic effect.
  6. Insert catheter gently advancing ~20 cm until urine drains freely. Never force against resistance.
  7. Inflate balloon with 10 mL sterile water only after confirming free urine flow. Gently retract catheter until resistance felt.
  8. Return foreskin (prevent paraphimosis), connect to closed drainage bag.
  9. Secure catheter to thigh with catheter holder — prevent traction injury.
  10. Document: date, time, catheter size/type, residual volume, patient tolerance.
Key hazard: False passage risk in BPH/stricture. If resistance at external sphincter/prostate — do NOT force. Refer to urology for flexible cystoscopy-guided insertion.

Female Catheterisation

  • Use 12–14 Fr for routine, shorter catheter acceptable
  • Identify urethral meatus (anterior to vaginal opening)
  • Cleanse labia minora, urethral orifice with saline
  • Insert 5–7 cm; inflate only on urine return
  • Higher risk of misplacement into vagina — withdraw and re-attempt

Suprapubic Catheter Care

  • Inserted surgically through anterior abdominal wall into bladder
  • Site care: clean with saline, observe for leakage/skin excoriation
  • First change: no earlier than 4–6 weeks (tract formation)
  • Subsequent changes: every 4–12 weeks per manufacturer
  • Never remove if patient cannot void — risk of tract closure within hours
  • Urgent escalation: catheter displacement, urine leaking around site, inability to reinsert

Catheter Removal & TWOC (Trial Without Catheter)

Catheter Removal Protocol

  1. Confirm indication for removal; document in notes.
  2. Deflate balloon completely before removal — aspirate all water.
  3. Remove smoothly; inspect catheter tip for integrity.
  4. Measure residual if bladder scan possible before removal.

TWOC Protocol

  1. Remove catheter in morning (allows monitoring all day).
  2. Encourage oral fluids 1.5–2 L.
  3. Patient should void within 6 hours; document time and volume.
  4. Perform bladder scan post-void — residual >300 mL = failed TWOC.
  5. Failed TWOC: re-catheterise; consider alpha-blocker (tamsulosin) and retry in 1–2 weeks.

Intermittent Self-Catheterisation (ISC) Teaching

Patient Teaching Points

  • Clean (not sterile) technique at home is acceptable
  • Frequency: 4–6 times per day (maximum residual 400–500 mL)
  • Hand washing essential before each procedure
  • Use water-based lubricant or hydrophilic catheter
  • Single-use catheters preferred; multi-use require rigorous cleaning
  • Bladder diary: record voided volumes and catheterised volumes

Indications for ISC

  • Neurogenic bladder (spinal cord injury, MS)
  • Post-void residual >300 mL persistent
  • Preference over long-term indwelling catheter
  • Post-prostatectomy overflow
  • Bladder dysfunction in spina bifida
ISC reduces CAUTI risk compared to indwelling catheters and preserves bladder compliance.
Lower Urinary Tract

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

IPSS Score Assessment

ScoreSeverityAction
0–7MildWatchful waiting, lifestyle advice
8–19ModerateMedical therapy
20–35SevereSurgical consideration

Medical Management

  • Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin, alfuzosin): relax smooth muscle, rapid symptom relief; SE: postural hypotension, retrograde ejaculation
  • 5-Alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride): shrink prostate over 3–6 months; SE: decreased libido, erectile dysfunction
  • Combination therapy: superior for large prostates or severe symptoms

TURP Nursing Care

Post-operative

  • Haematuria: Pink-red urine expected for 24–48 h; frank blood clots = concern
  • Bladder irrigation: Three-way catheter, continuous normal saline irrigation
  • Irrigation rate: Titrate to keep drainage light pink/clear (often 1–3 L/h initially)
  • Pain: Bladder spasms common — antispasmodics (oxybutynin), reassure patient
  • Catheter removal: Typically 24–48 h post-op if urine clear
  • Discharge advice: Avoid strenuous activity for 4 weeks, expect intermittent haematuria for 2–4 weeks
TUR Syndrome — Recognition and Management
EMERGENCY: TUR Syndrome results from absorption of hypotonic irrigant (glycine) causing dilutional hyponatraemia. Risk increases with operative time >60 minutes and deep resections.

Clinical Features

  • Neurological: Confusion, restlessness, agitation, headache, visual disturbance
  • Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, hypertension (early), hypotension (late), ECG changes
  • GI: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension
  • Serum Na⁺ <125 mmol/L — seizures possible

Immediate Management

  1. Stop irrigation immediately; inform surgeon/anaesthetist urgently.
  2. Urgent serum electrolytes, FBC, serum osmolality.
  3. Restrict fluids; insert urinary catheter to monitor output.
  4. Furosemide IV if euvolaemic hyponatraemia.
  5. Hypertonic saline (1.8–3%) if severe hyponatraemia (<120) or seizures — ICU setting only.
  6. Correct sodium slowly: max 10 mmol/L in 24 h to prevent osmotic demyelination.
  7. Continuous cardiac monitoring, neuro observations every 15 minutes.

Overactive Bladder (OAB)

  • Symptoms: Urgency ± urge incontinence, frequency (>8 voids/day), nocturia
  • Anticholinergics: Oxybutynin, solifenacin, tolterodine — dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention risk (especially elderly)
  • Beta-3 agonist: Mirabegron — fewer anticholinergic SE, caution in uncontrolled hypertension
  • PTNS (Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation): 12-week weekly outpatient course, needle near ankle
  • Sacral Neuromodulation (InterStim): implantable device for refractory OAB
  • First-line: Bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, fluid management

Urinary Incontinence Types

TypeMechanismManagement
StressIncreased abdominal pressure (cough/sneeze)PFMT, mid-urethral sling
UrgeDetrusor overactivityBladder training, anticholinergics
OverflowIncomplete bladder emptyingCatheterisation, treat obstruction
FunctionalPhysical/cognitive barrier to toiletPrompted voiding, mobility aids
MixedStress + urge combinationCombined approach
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is recommended as first-line for stress and mixed incontinence — at least 3 months supervised programme.
Upper Urinary Tract

Renal Colic — Ureteric Stone

Clinical Presentation

  • Sudden onset severe loin-to-groin pain — typically colicky, may be constant
  • Haematuria (macro or micro) — present in ~90%
  • Nausea, vomiting, restlessness (cannot find comfortable position)
  • Ipsilateral hydronephrosis if obstruction present

Investigations

  • CT KUB (non-contrast): Gold standard — sensitivity 97%, detects all stone types
  • Urine dipstick/MSU — haematuria, rule out infection
  • FBC, U&E, creatinine, CRP
  • Serum calcium, urate, phosphate (metabolic work-up for recurrent stones)

Acute Management

  • Diclofenac 75 mg IM (NSAID — superior analgesia, reduces ureteric oedema) — avoid if renal impairment/pregnancy
  • Morphine IV — if NSAIDs contraindicated or insufficient
  • Alpha-blocker (tamsulosin 0.4 mg) — medical expulsive therapy for distal stones ≤10 mm, increases passage rate
  • IV fluids if dehydrated; antiemetics
  • Urgent urology if: Infected obstructed kidney (sepsis), bilateral obstruction, solitary kidney, anuria

Nephrostomy Tube Care

Percutaneous tube draining renal pelvis directly through back.

Nursing Management

  • Drainage: Monitor volume, colour, turbidity every 4 hours; document output
  • Normal output: 50–200 mL/h depending on renal function and hydration
  • Flushing: Only if blocked and on prescription — 5–10 mL normal saline gently; never use force
  • Site care: Sterile dressing, change every 48–72 h or if soiled; check for skin excoriation
  • Securing: Loop tubing on skin surface, secure with adhesive dressing — prevent traction
Dislodgement: If tube comes out — cover site with sterile dressing. Do NOT reinsert. Contact urology immediately. Tract closes rapidly (within hours).

Red Flags

  • No drainage >2 hours (blocked vs. dislodged)
  • Sudden pain increase at site
  • Frank haematuria persisting >48 h post-procedure
  • Signs of infection: fever, purulent drainage, rigors

Ureteric Stent (JJ Stent / Double-J Stent)

Common Side Effects — Patient Education

  • Ureteric colic-like symptoms: Loin discomfort especially on voiding — normal, due to urine reflux up stent
  • Urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria, haematuria — common and expected
  • Suprapubic ache (bladder coil irritation)
  • Reassure: Symptoms resolve after stent removal

Stent Removal

  • Removed by flexible cystoscopy under local anaesthesia (outpatient)
  • Stent string (if present): can be removed in clinic without cystoscopy
  • Duration: typically 4–6 weeks; maximum 12 weeks before exchange (encrustation risk)
  • Stent forgotten: Encrustation, stone formation, obstruction — serious complication

Renal Biopsy Nursing Care

Pre-Procedure

  • Check INR (<1.3), platelets (>100), BP (<160/90)
  • Hold anticoagulants as directed; aspirin usually held 7 days
  • Group and save; consent obtained by doctor

Post-Procedure Monitoring

  • Bed rest for 4–6 hours post-procedure
  • BP and HR every 15 min × 1 h, then 30 min × 2 h, then hourly × 4 h
  • All urine observations — haematuria expected, gross haematuria = concern
  • Urinary output monitoring — haematoma can cause obstruction
  • Pain assessment — escalate if severe (haematoma, arteriovenous fistula)
  • Discharge if: BP stable, no gross haematuria, voiding normally, urine clearing
Serious complications: Significant haematoma requiring transfusion (~1–2%), AV fistula, need for embolisation or nephrectomy (<0.1%). Patient should not drive home; have responsible adult.

Hydronephrosis Monitoring

Grading (SFU/ESPU)

GradeFindings
ISlight renal pelvis dilatation only
IIPelvis + few calyces
IIIAll calyces dilated, parenchyma normal
IVParenchymal thinning — significant obstruction

Nursing Considerations

  • Monitor renal function (creatinine, eGFR) regularly
  • Watch for obstruction signs: decreased urine output, rising creatinine
  • Bilateral hydronephrosis — emergency; may require catheterisation
  • Post-obstructive diuresis: large urine output after relief — risk of electrolyte imbalance and dehydration
Urology Oncology Nursing

Bladder Cancer — TURBT Nursing Care

Post-operative TURBT

  • Pink urine: Expected for 24–48 h; reassure patient
  • Three-way catheter if significant bleeding — continuous bladder irrigation
  • Monitor for clot retention — acute pain, no urine output despite irrigation
  • Discharge usually 24–48 h; haematuria may persist 1–2 weeks
  • Driving/heavy lifting: avoid 2–4 weeks
  • Cystoscopy surveillance: every 3 months year 1 (NMIBC)

Intravesical BCG Therapy

Live AttenuatedCytotoxic
  • Used for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
  • Preparation: Reconstitute in BSC; cytotoxic PPE (gloves, gown, mask, eye protection)
  • Instil via urethral catheter; patient retains for 2 hours, rotating positions
  • Void into toilet — disinfect with bleach for 6 hours post-instillation
BCG is a live bacteria — NOT cytotoxic in the traditional sense but requires cytotoxic handling precautions. Contraindicated in immunocompromised, active UTI, traumatic catheterisation, haematuria.
Intravesical BCG Safe Handling Protocol
BCG contains live attenuated Mycobacterium bovis. Handle as cytotoxic AND as biohazard.

Preparation

  1. Reconstitute in designated BCG preparation area or BSC if available.
  2. Don double gloves, impermeable gown, surgical mask, eye protection.
  3. Reconstitute with saline as per manufacturer — do not shake vigorously.
  4. Transfer to 50 mL syringe; label clearly "BCG INTRAVESICAL".
  5. Dispose of all reconstitution materials in cytotoxic waste.

Administration & Patient Safety

  1. Confirm no UTI (recent MSU), no traumatic catheterisation, no frank haematuria.
  2. Catheterise aseptically; drain bladder completely first.
  3. Instil BCG by gravity (do not apply pressure).
  4. Remove catheter; patient retains BCG for 2 hours rotating positions.
  5. Void seated to prevent splashing; flush toilet twice with lid closed.
  6. Household: hypochlorite bleach in toilet for 6 hours after each void.

Side Effects

  • Common: Cystitis symptoms, haematuria, flu-like symptoms for 24–48 h
  • BCG sepsis (rare, <1%): Fever >38.5°C persisting >24 h, systemic illness — EMERGENCY; rifampicin + isoniazid treatment, contact urology/ID
  • Contraindications if immunosuppressed: Risk of disseminated BCG infection

Prostate Cancer — Radical Prostatectomy

Post-operative Nursing

  • Urethral catheter: Remains for 7–14 days (anastomosis healing); strict no-kinking, document output hourly
  • Haematuria: Mild blood-staining expected; frank haematuria/clots = anastomotic bleeding, escalate
  • Continence recovery: Pelvic floor exercises from day 1; continence typically returns over 3–12 months; stress incontinence common initially
  • Erectile dysfunction: Common (nerve-sparing vs non-nerve-sparing); PDE5 inhibitors, vacuum device, penile rehabilitation programme — nurse-led discussion essential
  • PSA monitoring: Should be undetectable (<0.1 ng/mL) 6 weeks post-op; PSA rise = biochemical recurrence

Radical Cystectomy

Urinary Diversion Types

TypeDescriptionNursing Key Points
Ileal conduitIncontinent urostomy — most commonStoma care, appliance management, mucus education
NeobladderContinent orthotopic reservoirISC teaching, mucus management, night-time incontinence
Indiana pouchContinent cutaneous diversionISC via stoma, no external bag

Stoma Nursing Post-Cystectomy

  • Urostomy output: immediately after surgery; mucus in effluent is normal (bowel segment)
  • Mucus education: patient must understand — expected, not infection
  • Appliance change 48–72 h post-op with stoma nurse
  • Peristomal skin assessment at each change

Nephrectomy Nursing Care

Open vs. Laparoscopic

ApproachOpenLaparoscopic
IncisionFlank/midline ~15–25 cm3–4 small ports
Hospital stay5–7 days2–3 days
Return to activity6–8 weeks2–4 weeks
Blood lossHigherLess

Post-operative Monitoring

  • Hourly urine output — target >0.5 mL/kg/h (compensatory from remaining kidney)
  • Monitor contralateral renal function: creatinine, eGFR daily
  • Haemoglobin trend — significant flank bleed possible
  • Shoulder tip pain (laparoscopic) — referred diaphragmatic irritation from CO₂; position change, mobilisation
  • DVT prophylaxis: LMWH + compression stockings
  • Long-term: single kidney — avoid NSAIDs, maintain hydration, annual BP/eGFR check
Paediatric Urology Nursing

Hypospadias Repair

Byars FlapMAGPITIP Repair

Post-operative Catheter Care

  • Stenting catheter (silicone) typically remains for 7–10 days
  • Secured with penile dressing — do NOT remove or disturb until scheduled
  • Monitor for blockage: if no drainage >4 h, notify team
  • Avoid catheter tension; extra length coiled and secured to abdomen/thigh
  • Double nappy technique: inner nappy catches urine via catheter, outer nappy for faeces — prevents contamination

Wound & Dressing Care

  • Penile oedema and bruising: expected and normal — reassure parents
  • Dressing (Tegaderm/transparent film) change only by surgical team
  • No baths/swimming for 4–6 weeks; sponge bath only
  • Haematoma, purulent discharge, wound separation: escalate urgently
  • Return to school: typically 1 week post-discharge

Vesicoureteric Reflux (VUR)

Grading (International Classification)

GradeDescription
IReflux into ureter only (no dilatation)
IIReflux to renal pelvis, no dilatation
IIIMild ureteric and pelvic dilatation
IVModerate dilatation, mild tortuosity
VGross dilatation, tortuosity, intrarenal reflux

Management

  • Antibiotic prophylaxis: Trimethoprim or nitrofurantoin low-dose nocte (Grade III-V or breakthrough UTIs)
  • DMSA scan: Detects renal scarring — prepare child (cannula, scan takes 3–4 h; imaging at 3–4 h after injection)
  • VCUG (Voiding Cystourethrogram): Bladder catheterised, contrast instilled, X-ray during voiding — prepare child/parents for catheterisation discomfort; clean technique
  • Surgical: Endoscopic (DEFLUX injection) or open ureteric reimplantation for high-grade or breakthrough UTIs

Undescended Testis — Orchidopexy

Pre-operative Considerations

  • Timing: 6–18 months of age (optimal fertility preservation)
  • Distinguish from retractile testis (cremasteric reflex) — examine in warm room
  • Bilateral undescended — check chromosomes/hormones; may present as DSD

Post-operative Care

  • Positioning: Scrotal support (supportive underwear for older children); no straddle toys for 2–4 weeks
  • Scrotal oedema and bruising: normal; ice pack (wrapped in cloth) for 24–48 h
  • Scrotal support: Encourages healing position, reduces haematoma
  • Monitor: haematoma formation (firming of scrotum), testicular loss if vascular compromise
  • No bathing for 48 h; sponge bath; avoid nappy friction
  • Long-term: annual testicular exam; testicular cancer screening in adulthood

Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV)

Neonatal Emergency: PUV causes severe bladder outlet obstruction in male neonates. Can present prenatally with bilateral hydronephrosis on scan.

Presentation

  • Weak urinary stream, dribbling, poor urine output in male neonate
  • Bilateral hydronephrosis, renal dysplasia on prenatal ultrasound
  • Respiratory distress (pulmonary hypoplasia from oligohydramnios)
  • Elevated creatinine/renal impairment

Acute & Long-term Nursing

  • Emergency: Urethral catheterisation (fine gauge 6Fr) to relieve obstruction — specialist only
  • Post-decompression diuresis: intensive fluid/electrolyte management
  • Definitive: cystoscopic valve ablation
  • Long-term bladder dysfunction: Non-compliant bladder, incontinence, CKD — lifelong follow-up; ISC may be required
  • Renal function surveillance: eGFR, BP, proteinuria annually

Nocturnal Enuresis

Assessment

  • Primary (never dry) vs secondary (was dry, now wet)
  • Monosymptomatic (night-time only) vs non-monosymptomatic (daytime symptoms)
  • Bladder diary: voiding frequency, volumes, accidents
  • Exclude: UTI, constipation, diabetes insipidus
  • Treat only from age 5–6 years

GCC School Considerations

  • School nurses in UAE/KSA/Qatar can play key role in identifying and supporting children
  • Cultural sensitivity: shame and stigma may delay presentation
  • Support parents with reassurance — common, treatable condition

Treatment

TreatmentDetails
Enuresis alarmFirst-line; moisture-triggered alarm; 12-week trial; 70% success rate; requires motivated family
DesmopressinSynthetic ADH; oral/sublingual; restrict fluids 1 hour before to 8 h after dose — risk of hyponatraemia; temporary measure
CombinationAlarm + desmopressin for resistant cases
OxybutyninIf overactive bladder component
Desmopressin: Restrict fluid intake — do not give if child has been drinking excessively. Risk of symptomatic hyponatraemia (seizures) if overhydrated.
GCC Context & Exam Preparation

Urolithiasis Epidemic in GCC

Highest Global Prevalence

Risk Factors Unique to GCC

  • Hot climate & dehydration: Concentrated urine year-round; inadequate fluid intake common
  • High protein diet: Meat-heavy diet increases uric acid and calcium oxalate stones
  • Hypercalciuria: Vitamin D deficiency supplements may increase calcium load; dietary calcium imbalance
  • Sedentary lifestyle: Increased in urbanised GCC populations
  • Genetic factors: Family history prevalent in Gulf populations
  • Recurrence rate: 50% within 5–10 years without prevention

Prevention Nursing Advice

  • Fluid intake: >2.5 L per day — urine should be pale yellow
  • Reduce sodium intake (<5 g/day) — reduces calciuria
  • Moderate animal protein (<0.8 g/kg/day)
  • Calcium: maintain normal dietary intake (do not restrict — paradoxically worsens oxalate stones)
  • Citrate-rich foods: lemon juice, citrus — inhibits stone crystallisation

GCC Nursing Regulatory Bodies

CountryBodyUrology Relevance
UAE (Dubai)DHA (Dubai Health Authority)DHA licensing, urology nursing competencies, CAUTI targets
UAE (Abu Dhabi)DOH (Dept of Health)DOH licensing exam, scope of practice documents
Saudi ArabiaSCFHSUrology nursing certification, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties
QatarQCHPQatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners licensing
BahrainNHRANational Health Regulatory Authority
KuwaitMOH KuwaitMinistry of Health licensing
SCFHS Urology Nursing Certification requires clinical hours in urology, specific competencies in catheter care, stoma management, and patient education documentation.

Islamic Considerations in Urology Nursing

Wudu (Ablution) & Urinary Catheter

  • Islamic ruling: A person with a urinary catheter who has no control over urine leakage falls under the ruling of "Ma'zur" (excused person)
  • Ma'zur status: may pray with their catheter/drainage bag in place; perform wudu before each prayer time
  • Urine draining continuously does not invalidate prayer — the condition is beyond control
  • Nursing role: Advise patient to consult their imam/scholar for personal religious guidance; provide factual information about catheter function

Prayer Validity

  • Patients may perform prayer with catheter and drainage bag
  • Position bag below waist during prayer — functional advice
  • Closed drainage system maintains appropriate hygienic conditions
  • Respect patient's need for prayer times — schedule procedures around Salah where possible

Ramadan: Hydration & Stone Prevention

  • High risk period: Prolonged daytime fasting without fluids increases urinary concentration and stone risk
  • Studies show increased renal colic presentations during Ramadan months in GCC
  • Nursing advice for stone-former patients during Ramadan:
  • Suhoor (pre-dawn): drink 2–3 large glasses of water
  • Iftar (sunset): begin with water/soup; aim to consume most of daily fluid allowance from Iftar to Suhoor
  • Target 2.5 L total fluid intake within permitted hours
  • Avoid excessive salt and protein at Iftar meals
  • If on stone prevention medication (potassium citrate, allopurinol) — timing adjustment with prescriber
  • Patients with nephrostomy/stent: Ensure adequate hydration; may need medical review regarding fasting safety

GCC CAUTI Improvement Initiatives

  • GCC hospitals participate in WHO patient safety goals; CAUTI is tracked as a key hospital-acquired infection metric
  • Dubai Health Authority and Joint Commission International (JCI) standards require catheter indication documented within 24 h
  • Many GCC tertiary centres have implemented "Catheter Nurse Champions" programmes — dedicated nurses auditing CAUTI bundles
  • CBAHI (Saudi Arabia) standards include CAUTI prevention bundle compliance as accreditation criterion
  • Target: CAUTI rate <1 per 1000 catheter-days (international benchmark)
Interactive Tool: CAUTI Risk Assessment & Prevention Bundle Checker


GCC Exam MCQs — DHA / DOH / SCFHS / QCHP Style
1. A male patient 4 hours post-TURP has dark red urine with clots and reports severe bladder spasms. The three-way catheter is draining poorly. What is the PRIORITY nursing action?
  • A. Increase oral fluid intake
  • B. Administer IV morphine for pain
  • C. Increase the rate of continuous bladder irrigation and perform catheter patency check
  • D. Remove catheter and reassess voiding
Answer: C. Increased irrigation rate clears clots, restores drainage and relieves spasm. Catheter removal post-TURP is contraindicated at this stage. Morphine may help pain but does not address the underlying obstruction.
2. Which of the following is a CONTRAINDICATION to instilling intravesical BCG therapy?
  • A. Pink-tinged urine post-TURBT 6 weeks ago
  • B. Patient is on immunosuppressive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
  • C. Patient has mild haematuria-free microscopic haematuria on routine dip
  • D. Patient had a cold 2 weeks ago, now fully recovered
Answer: B. BCG is a live attenuated organism. Immunosuppression risks disseminated BCG infection, which is life-threatening. Other contraindications include active UTI, traumatic catheterisation, frank haematuria, and active TB.
3. A patient undergoing TURP develops confusion, bradycardia, nausea, and abdominal distension 60 minutes into the procedure. The most likely diagnosis and immediate priority is:
  • A. Pulmonary embolism — oxygen and anticoagulation
  • B. TUR syndrome — stop irrigation, urgent serum electrolytes, medical emergency management
  • C. Anaphylaxis — adrenaline IM
  • D. Hypoglycaemia — dextrose IV
Answer: B. TUR syndrome results from glycine irrigant absorption causing dilutional hyponatraemia. Hallmarks: neurological symptoms + bradycardia + GI symptoms during/after TURP. Immediate action: stop irrigation, check electrolytes, treat hyponatraemia cautiously.
4. In GCC countries, which factor most significantly contributes to the region's highest global prevalence of urolithiasis?
  • A. High dietary calcium intake
  • B. Hot climate leading to chronic dehydration and concentrated urine
  • C. High alcohol consumption
  • D. Fluoridated water supply
Answer: B. The combination of extreme heat, inadequate fluid replacement, and resulting chronic dehydration creates concentrated urine — the primary driver of stone formation in GCC. High protein diet and hypercalciuria are additional contributing factors.
5. A nephrostomy tube shows no drainage for 3 hours in a patient with a known ureteric obstruction. The tube was draining 150 mL/h previously. What is the FIRST nursing action?
  • A. Flush the nephrostomy with 50 mL normal saline
  • B. Check the tube for kinking, position, and visible dislodgement, then contact urology
  • C. Increase IV fluids to improve renal output
  • D. Document as normal variation and reassess in 2 hours
Answer: B. First assess mechanical causes (kinking, position, dislodgement) before any irrigation. Flushing a potentially dislodged nephrostomy risks injury. Urology must be notified promptly — a blocked nephrostomy in an obstructed kidney can cause sepsis.