Beginner🩺 Patient Assessment 5 min
Bladder Scan (Ultrasound)
Use of portable ultrasound to estimate bladder volume.
bladder scanultrasoundurinary retentionpost-void residual
Purpose
Bladder scanning is a non-invasive method to estimate bladder volume, assess for urinary retention, and determine the need for catheterization.
Equipment Needed
- 1Portable bladder ultrasound scanner
- 2Ultrasound gel
- 3Towel or wipe
- 4PPE
Step-by-Step Procedure
1
Assess the patient2
Prepare the patient3
Perform the scan4
Interpret5
Clean up6
DocumentCommon Mistakes to Avoid
- Bladder scan is non-invasive — use before straight catheterization when possible.
- If the scan is >500 mL, the scanner may not be accurate — use clinical judgment.
Safety Tips
- ⚠ Select the correct mode — male/female setting accounts for the uterus.
- ⚠ Scan 2-3 times and average for accuracy.
Nursing Considerations
- • Select the correct mode (male/female) — the uterus affects the measurement in females.
- • Scan 2-3 times and average — improves accuracy.
- • Post-void residual >200 mL suggests urinary retention — may need catheterization.
- • Bladder scan is non-invasive — use before catheterization when possible.
Clinical Pearls 💎
- "Apply gel just above the symphysis pubis — the bladder is in the lower abdomen."
- "Angle the probe toward the bladder — the scanner calculates volume based on the cross-section."
