Assessment of Abdomen and Genitourinary System
This week’s graded discussion topic relates to the following Course Outcomes (COs). CO1 Utilize prior knowledge of theories and principles of nursing and related disciplines to explain expected client behaviors, while differentiating between normal findings, variations, and abnormalities. (PO 1) CO2 Recognize the influence that developmental stages have on physical, psycho social, cultural, and spiritual functioning. Assessment of Abdomen and Genitourinary System (PO 1) CO3 Utilize effective communication when performing a health assessment. (PO 3) Amira is a 27-year-old Syrian refugee who has been residing in a local homeless shelter since her arrival here in the United States 4 weeks ago. She was brought into the emergency room this morning via squad after being found by a shelter employee sitting in a pool of blood on the bathroom floor crying and holding her abdomen. Due to her limited English speaking abilities, she is unable to provide specific details as to her complaints but the shelter employee states that she has recently stopped eating and has not looked well for the past couple of days. Based on the limited information provided, please answer the following questions. How will you prioritize your care of Amira, what assessments will you complete, and in what order? Please provide rationale for choosing this order. Are there any cultural beliefs/practices that must be taken into consideration when planning her care? Considering her symptoms of abdominal pain and bleeding, is it possible that her status as a homeless refugee is a causative or contributing factor to her illness? Please provide rationale for your response.
An Overview of the Genitourinary System
The goal of the clinical evaluation of the genitourinary system is the diagnosis of disorders and diseases of the entire urinary tract and the male genital tract. From the production of urine by the nephrons to the eventual elimination of urine via the external urethral meatus, malfunctions of the urinary tract may become manifest in a variety of ways. This transport of urine to the outside embodies the most important function of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Primary malignant tumors or infections of the urinary organs may not necessarily cause obstruction of the urinary tract. Most other common urologic diseases do cause obstruction, and are treated with a view toward relief or prevention of nephron damage resulting from obstruction of the normal flow of urine.Assessment of Abdomen and Genitourinary System
The functioning of the bladder as a storage reservoir that empties efficiently may be disturbed by obstruction, bladder irritation, or neuromuscular disease. Voiding dysfunction creates a unique set of complaints that requires a careful history in order to shorten the list of differential diagnoses.
The male genital tract includes organs responsible for the production and transportation of spermatozoa, the secretion of sex hormones, and the achievement of erections. Although sperm production and transport may be impaired and erectile dysfunction may be present, most patients present for evaluation of the male genital tract because of inflammatory processes and tumors of these organs. The interaction between the urinary tract and male genital organs, such as the prostate, often creates diagnostic challenges for the clinician.Assessment of Abdomen and Genitourinary System