Post-void residual measurement is used to assess what aspect of bladder function?

Post-void residual measurement is used to assess what aspect of bladder function?

• A. Bladder emptying efficiency
• B. Uroflow rate
• C. Kidney filtration
• D. Blood pressure

Answer: (A)

Post-void residual measurement assesses how completely the bladder empties after urination. It quantifies the urine left in the bladder after voiding, which directly reflects emptying efficiency. A small residual means the bladder is empting well, while a large residual points to incomplete emptying—often due to bladder outlet obstruction (like an enlarged prostate) or detrusor underactivity. This test is done by ultrasound or catheterization right after voiding. It’s not assessing kidney filtration, blood pressure, or the rate of flow during voiding; those reflect different aspects of urinary function and are measured by other tests.

Post-void residual measurement assesses how completely the bladder empties after urination. It quantifies the urine left in the bladder after voiding, which directly reflects emptying efficiency. A small residual means the bladder is empting well, while a large residual points to incomplete emptying—often due to bladder outlet obstruction (like an enlarged prostate) or detrusor underactivity. This test is done by ultrasound or catheterization right after voiding. It’s not assessing kidney filtration, blood pressure, or the rate of flow during voiding; those reflect different aspects of urinary function and are measured by other tests.