Conceptual and Operational Definitions for the Nursing Diagnosis “Urinary Retention”: Conceptual and Operational Definitions

PURPOSE: To develop conceptual and operational definitions for defining characteristics and related factors for nursing diagnosis of urinary retention, as contained in Taxonomy II of NANDA-I. DATA SOURCES: Integrative literature review and elaboration of terms related to urinary retention. DATA SYNTHESIS: It includes operational and conceptual definitions of the nursing diagnosis urinary retention. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to review the definition of this nursing diagnosis and most of its defining characteristics and related factors. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The use of internationally known terms for various disciplines in areas of common knowledge helps to standardize the language used by professionals.