Normal bladder routines are interrupted for many reasons including infections, prostate trouble, diabetes, dementia, immobility, surgical procedures, medications and aging muscles.
Urinary continence depends on the bladder's ability to store and expel urine and an individual's ability to get to the toilet on time and properly adjust their clothing. Lack of motivation can also be a factor.
Common types of urinary incontinence
- Urge incontinence is the sudden urge to go but not enough time to get there.
- Stress incontinence is when urine is lost when laughing, sneezing, or lifting a heavy object.
- Overflow incontinence is often seen in men with prostrate problems, which in turn may cause dribbling.
- Transient incontinence is the term used for acute episodes of wetting, often after a new medication has been started, in individuals who have not soiled themselves in the past.
- Functional incontinence is seen in the elderly with dementia, head injury or stroke.
- Remind the client to go to the bathroom.
- Show the client the way to the bathroom.
- Place a picture or sign on the door to the bathroom.
- Schedule frequent, regular trips to the bathroom.
- Assist the client with adjusting his/her clothing.
- Make sure clothing can easily be removed. (Sweat outfits are a good idea)
- Keep track of the times the client urinates; this establishes a record of toileting patterns.
- A bedside commode or urinal is helpful if there is difficulty getting to a bathroom.
- Limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol that is consumed.
- Do not withhold fluids in order to urinate less.
- Use pads and diapers with caution since they are uncomfortable and demoralizing and often make incontinence a more severe and/or permanent problem.
- Pay particular attention to the skin condition of an incontinent client, watching at every opportunity for skin breakdown.
- Watch for signs or gestures indicating a need to toilet.
- To be successful with toileting there must be consistency. Toileting methods must be consistent throughout a 24-hour period.
