Implementing a bladder ultrasound program.

Many patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation setting experience alteration in urinary elimination as a result of neurological changes. Urinary retention can develop due to hypotonic bladder, increased sphincter tone, absent or decreased sensation of bladder fullness, or urethral blockage. Incomplete bladder emptying can lead to such complications as urinary infection and incontinence. Rehabilitation nurses must assess patients for alterations in bladder emptying. The use of bladder ultrasound is one method now available for noninvasive measurement of bladder volume. In this article, the author reviews the implementation and results of a bladder ultrasound program at one rehabilitation facility.