Oliguria
Decreased urine output less than 400 mL/day
Definition
Oliguria is a urine output of less than 400 mL per day in adults (or less than 0.5 mL/kg/hour). It is an early warning sign of acute kidney injury or fluid volume deficit.
Causes
- Pre-renal: Hypovolemia, hypotension, heart failure.
- Intrarenal: Acute tubular necrosis, nephrotoxic drugs.
- Post-renal: Obstruction (stones, BPH, blocked catheter).
Nursing Interventions
- Assess for underlying cause
- Check Foley catheter patency and bladder distention
- Monitor vital signs, I&O, daily weights
- Labs: BUN, creatinine, electrolytes, urinalysis
- IV fluids for hypovolemia
- Avoid nephrotoxic agents
- Prepare for dialysis if severe
NCLEX Relevance
Oliguria + rising creatinine = AKI. Check catheter patency first.