Patient Instructions |
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There are two inherent obstacles to the bladder chart that make proper instruction to the patient imperative:
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| Suggesting or providing a measuring device. Some hospitals actually provide a graduated urine beaker or a commode “top hat” to the patient in a nylon logo bag. You can also suggest that the patient obtain a large (1-quart) plastic measuring cup with a handle at the local Dollar Store. |  |
| Suggesting which days are best to keep the diary. It is probably best not to attempt it on days traveling, unless the patient travels all the time and feels that this will not be a problem. Working patients often like to make at least one of the days on a weekend. |  |
| If the patient is embarrassed about carrying the necessary supplies, explain that the diary is a very important part of their testing and that it will provide very valuable information about how and when symptoms occur. |  |
Remind them several times that the chart is important and intended to document their normal, everyday intake and output. They do not need to attempt to “be good” on those days and drink more than normal, etc. The primary purpose of having the patient document the type of intake is to look for trends in excessive consumption of bladder irritants. A chart of the most commonly consumed bladder irritants is shown on the next page. |
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The patient won’t keep the recordBladder Irritants |
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Alcoholic beverages |
Coffee (including decaffeinated) |
