Urinary Incontinence

Question 0

Stress incontinence

Answer 0

most common type of incontinence. Main feature is small amounts of urine during coughing, sneezing, jogging or lifting. Pts cannot tighten the urethra enough to overcome the increased bladder pressure caused by contraction of the detrusor muscle. Low estrogen levels contribute to stress incontinence.

Question 1

Patho of urinary incontinence

Answer 1

incontinence is an involuntary loss of urine severe enough to cause social or hygiene problems. Occurs when pressure in the urethra is not greater than pressure in the bladder.

Question 2

Urge incontinence

Answer 2

The perception of an urgent need to urinate as a result of bladder contractions regardless of the volume of urine in the bladder. Pts cannot suppress the signal to void and have a sudden strong urge to void and often leak large amounts of urine at this time. (cause may be unknown)

Question 3

Mixed incontinence

Answer 3

A combination of stress, urge, and overflow incontinence.

Question 4

Overflow incontinence

Answer 4

Occurs when the detrusor muscle fails to contract and the bladder becomes over-distended. The bladder reaches its maximum capacity and some urine must leak out to prevent bladder rupture. Causes include diabetic neuropathy, meds.

Question 5

Functional incontinence

Answer 5

Occurs as a result of factors other than the abnormal function of the bladder or urethra. (Ex pts w dementia may not be aware that they need to urinate)

Question 6

Incidence of Incontinence

Answer 6

Most common in older adults (esp in nursing homes). For those younger than 65 yrs, more common in women. May occur after pregnancy.

Question 7

Lab assessment of urinary incontinence

Answer 7

Urinalysis is done to rule out infection. Presence of RBCs & WBCs, leukocyte esterase or nitrates in an indication for culturing the urine.