Incontinence Flashcards
What is urinary incontinence
The involuntary loss of urine
What is causes urinary incontinence? at a basic level
To maintain continence - pressure closing the urethra must be greater than pressure within the bladder
What are the four main causes of urinary incontinence?
Stress
Urge
Reflex
Overflow
Stress incontinence
Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to coughing, sneezing, bracing abdominal muscles during lifting or changing position
Increased intra-abdominal pressure increases the pressure in the bladder which will exceed pressure of smooth muscle of the urethra
What causes stress incontinence
Damage to pelvic floor due to childbirth and abdominal surgery
Reflex incontinence
Involuntary urethral relaxation resulting in a loss of urine
Decreased sensory feedback to the cortex means the individual isn’t consciously aware of their bladder
What causes reflex incontinence
Caused by a total spinal lesion above sacral region
Urge incontinence
Characterised by an urgent desire to void the bladder - usually before the bladder is full
Frequency
Nocturia
Overflow
Over distension of the bladder can cause incomplete emptying with difficulty urinating
Discomfort can be caused by distension
What is the most commonly used medication to treat an overactive bladder
Anticholinergics
Give an example of a medication which may exacerbate or cause urinary incontinence
Anti-depressants - increased frequency
Give some examples of urinary management
Continence pads
Catherisation
Urinalysis
BASICS
Double voiding
Pelvic floor exercises
toileting routine
What is double voiding?
A technique in which after the initial void, the patient is encouraged to move, stand up, rock back and forth
What is faecal incontinence?
The loss of rectal contents through anal canal
What is a common cause of FI
Damage and weakness of anal sphincter
