• E-mail
• Print
• RSS

Incontinence

Long-Term Care Nursing Advisor, April 9, 2004

It is estimated that over half of all nursing home residents suffer from some sort of incontinence. However, not all types of incontinence are the same. In order to devise an effective incontinence training program, identify the type of incontinence each resident is experiencing.

Urge incontinence: Urge incontinence involves the involuntary loss of urine accompanied by a sudden and urgent need to go to the bathroom. Urge incontinence is often associated with neurological disorders (frequently stroke), though it can be present in neurologically normal patients who have unstable bladders. Bladder training and medications are the most frequent interventions for this type of incontinence.

Stress incontinence: Stress incontinence, which results in involuntary urination during such activities as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or standing up, is frequently caused by bladder/urethra problems. Stress incontinence can be confirmed if the resident involuntarily urinates with an increase in abdominal pressure, although these residents may also urinate continuously or with little exertion. Bladder training and pelvic muscle exercises, such as the Kegel excercises, are often used to combat stress incontinence.

Overflow incontinence: Residents suffering from overflow incontinence will often feel that their bladder is full, even after they have urinated. Overflow incontinence, which can be caused by weak bladder muscles or certain medications, may also cause frequent leakage of urine. This type of incontinence is often treated with bladder training, although medication, surgery, and catheterization may be needed in specific cases.

• E-mail to a Colleague
• Print
• RSS
• Archive