Table of Contents
Definition
A kidney, ureter, bladder (KUB) study is an abdominal X-ray taken to find out the size, shape, and position of kidneys, to reveal any abnormalities in the kidneys or urinary tract.
Purposes
- To determine the size and shape of kidneys.
- To determine the location of kidneys.
- To detect gross structural changes in kidneys and urinary system.
- To determine the presence of calcifications or stones in kidneys and urinary tract.
- To assess for renal tumors or lesions.
- To determine any obstruction in urinary tract and kidneys.
- To identify any collection in kidneys or ureters.
Contraindication
- Pregnancy: X-rays can pose risks to the developing fetus, so alternative imaging methods like ultrasound may be preferred.
- Severe Allergies to Contrast Media: If the procedure involves contrast dye, individuals with known severe allergic reactions to the dye may need alternative imaging techniques.
- Kidney Failure: In cases where contrast dye is used, individuals with kidney failure may not be able to filter the dye effectively, making the procedure unsuitable.
- Recent Abdominal Surgery or Trauma: These conditions may affect the interpretation of the X-ray results.
Preparation
Preparing for a Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) X-ray involves the following steps:
- Fasting: Patients are often advised to avoid eating or drinking for about 8 hours before the procedure to keep the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract empty.
- Bowel Preparation: A simple enema may be administered the evening before the examination to clear the bowels of any material that could interfere with the X-ray.
- Clothing and Accessories: Remove any jewelry, belts, or metallic items, as these can obstruct the imaging.
- Positioning: During the procedure, the patient is usually placed in a supine position (lying on their back). They may be asked to hold their breath briefly while the X-ray is taken.
- Documentation: The patient is sent to the X-ray department with the necessary case sheet and requisition form.
Procedure
Nursing action | Rationale | |
1. | Explain the purpose and steps of the procedure to the patient. | Helps gain acceptance and cooperation of the patient. |
2. | Inform patient to be “nil per orally” (NPO) for 8 hours prior to the radiographic examination. | Helps keep stomach and upper GI tract empty and reduces chances of regurgitation and aspiration. |
3. | Administer simple enema on the previous evening of examination. | Helps clear bowels off fecal material, which may interfere with interpretation of X-ray film. |
4. | Remove jewelry, belts or metal buttons. | These radiopaque objects may interfere with interpretation of X-ray film. |
5. | Inform patient that he/she will be placed in supine position and X-ray films will be shot at the end of expiration. Thus, he or she will be required to hold the breath for 5 seconds at the end of expiration. | Knowledge of what to expect helps patient cooperate during the procedure. |
6. | Send patient to X-ray department with the case sheet and requisition form. | |
7. | Record in chart the time patient was sent to X-ray department. | Serves for communication among members of health team. |
8. | After receiving patient back in ward, record time of arrival and X-ray taken. |
Special Consideration
Preparing for a Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) X-ray involves some specific considerations to ensure accurate results:
- Avoid heavy meals and carbonated drinks before the procedure, as they can cause gas buildup, which may obscure the imaging.
- Drink plenty of water to ensure a full bladder, which improves the visibility of the bladder and ureters during the scan.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes for easy access to the abdominal area and remove any jewellery or metallic items.
- Continue taking prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- If you are pregnant or suspect you might be, inform your doctor, as special precautions may be necessary.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10:9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN:978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN:978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius,Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN:978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
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Tanya RN,BSN View all posts