Urinary Incontinence

Question 1

Stress incontinence

Answer 1

Sudden increase in intraabdominal pressure causes involuntary passage of urine

Can occur during coughing laughing, sneezing, physical activity

Leakage usually small amounts and not daily

Question 2

Stress causes

Answer 2

Most common in women with relaxed pelvic floor musculature - delivery, use of instrumentation during vaginal delivery or multiple pregnancies

Structures of female urethra atrophy when estrogen decreases

Prostate surgery for BPH or prostate cancer

Question 3

Stress treatment

Answer 3

Pelvic floor muscle exercises, weight loss if obese, cessation of smoking, topical estrogen products, external condom catheters or penile clamp in men, surgery

Urethral inserts, patches, or bladder neck support devices to correct underlying problem

Question 4

Functional incontinence

Answer 4

Loss of urine resulting from cognitive, functional or environmental factors

Question 5

Functional causes

Answer 5

Older adults often have problems that affect balance and mobility

Cognitive problems

Question 6

Functional treatment

Answer 6

Modifications of environment or care plan that facilitates regular, easy access to toilet and promotes patient safety

Includes better lighting, removal of scatter rugs, ambulatory assistance equipment, clothing alterations, timed voiding, different toileting equipment