Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a disease characterized by the passage of urine into the ureter from the bladder. The main cause of the disease is the dysfunction of the bladder as a result of nerve or muscle failure and blockage of the processes that control bladder emptying (5 Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) nursing care plans, 2019). The reflux of urine damages the upper urinary tract as it causes infections because of additional hydrostatic pressure. Parenchymal infection and possible scarring can be caused by the transition of bacteria from the lower urinary tract. The reflux of urine into the renal tract can lead to scarring and subsequent hypertension.
Nursing intervention for VUR should be directed towards managing the discharge of the bladder, planning urination schedule, and monitoring any failures (Koken et al., 2019). The nursing plans for managing patients with VUR depend on the severity of the symptoms. Accordingly, the goals can include reducing pain, treating infection, postoperative care, and so on. The interventions for acute pain involve placing a patient in a comfortable position and avoiding excessive movements, maintaining catheters, and educating patients and their parents about pain. For infection prevention, nurses should constantly evaluate patient skin for changes, administer antibacterial therapy, change dressing timely, and provide catheter care.
To assess the identified nursing interventions, the implementation process and care results should be considered. Hajiyev and Burgu (2017) state that the ways nurses plan and implement interventions show their level of competency. Open-ended questions can be used by supervisors to interview nurses who work with patients having VUR. Brief conversations with patients and their parents about their experiences is another method to determine the effectiveness of nursing interventions.
References
5 Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) nursing care plans. (2019).
Hajiyev, P., & Burgu, B. (2017). Contemporary management of vesicoureteral reflux. European Urology Focus, 3(2-3), 181-188.
Koken, Z. O., Sezer, R. E., & Tosun, K. (2019). Nursing care of the patient with neurogenic bladder after kidney transplantation: A case report. Transplantation Proceedings, 51(7), 2501-2502.