Investigations

Which of the following would be appropriate as part of John’s initial assessment? Drag each of the actions from the list on the right to the appropriate box.

Appropriate:

• Urinalysis – this is a basic test which may indicate infection, diabetes and kidney disease.
• Residual urine – to establish residual volume.
• Rectal examination –  this may identify loaded rectum and/or enlarged prostrate in male patients.
• Fluid balance chart – this would establish if he is passing good volumes and timings of micturition.

NOT Appropriate:

• Mid-stream specimen of urine (MSSU)- this is not appropriate as this should only be done after initial urinalysis is positive.
• Number of continence adsorbent products used per day – this is not appropriate as the patient should have full continence assessment carried out prior to using any continence absorbent products.
• Vaginal examination – this is not appropriate as this would be done on female patients.