Urological problems.

W HEN I received your invitation to discuss the subject of urology as it might apply to the industrial clinic, I felt there would be much to say. Then I realized that little urology is actually treated or diagnosed at the industrial clinic level. In discussing this subject with physicians closely associated with industrial problems, they and I felt that you, as nurses, would get the most from an outline of some of the newer concepts pertaining to the genito-urinary system. Since nurses in industry are often obliged to give advice on urology problems, or are the first to see an acutely ill urologic patient, or must deal with post-operative or medically diagnosed urologic diseases, I will discuss the problem from that viewpoint. The subject titles I will discuss are, genitourinary tract infections and injuries, instability of micturition or incontinence, genito-urinary tumors, calculous disease of the urinary tract, obstructive uropathy and newer urologic diagnostic procedures. Genito-urinary Tract Infections Awareness by the medical profession that more than a simple infection may be involved when a urinary tract infection develops has led to the discovery of other underlying urologic disorders. In the past it was taught that cystoscopy and/or pyelograms were indicated only after an infection had occurred several times. The fallacy in waiting is that chronic nephritis and chronic obstructive uropathy are destructive diseases. So, if a long period prevails between infections, considerable renal damage will occur and repair or medication will not be helpful. If, as nurses, you are asked whether further urologic study is necessary after a single urinary