What complications should the nurse consider for a patient who has urinary incontinence?
OverviewUrinary incontinence — the loss of bladder control — is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden and strong you don't get to a toilet in time. Show
Though it occurs more often as people get older, urinary incontinence isn't an inevitable consequence of aging. If urinary incontinence affects your daily activities, don't hesitate to see your doctor. For most people, simple lifestyle and dietary changes or medical care can treat symptoms of urinary incontinence. SymptomsMany people experience occasional, minor leaks of urine. Others may lose small to moderate amounts of urine more frequently. Types of urinary incontinence include:
When to see a doctorYou may feel uncomfortable discussing incontinence with your doctor. But if incontinence is frequent or is affecting your quality of life, it's important to seek medical advice because urinary incontinence may:
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Urinary incontinence may also be caused by an easily treatable medical condition, such as:
Persistent urinary incontinenceUrinary incontinence can also be a persistent condition caused by underlying physical problems or changes, including:
Risk factorsFactors that increase your risk of developing urinary incontinence include:
ComplicationsComplications of chronic urinary incontinence include:
PreventionUrinary incontinence isn't always preventable. However, to help decrease your risk:
Urinary incontinence care at Mayo Clinic Dec. 17, 2021
RelatedAssociated ProceduresNews from Mayo ClinicProducts & ServicesWhat are the complications of urinary incontinence?Complications of chronic urinary incontinence can include: Skin problems, including rashes, skin infections and sores. Recurrent urinary tract infections. Depression and anxiety.
What are the nursing considerations to be followed when caring for a client with incontinence?Start a prompted toileting program based on the results of this program; toileting frequency may vary from every 1.5 to 2 hours, to every 4 hours. Praise the patient when toileting occurs with prompting. Refrain from any socialization when incontinent episodes occur; change the patient and make her or him comfortable.
What are some of the key considerations when caring with someone who has incontinence?Incontinence Care: 9 Tips for Caregivers. Talk with their doctor. ... . Watch out for certain foods and drinks. ... . Stick to a bathroom schedule. ... . Waterproof the mattress, sofa, and chairs. ... . Use humor kindly to diffuse anxiety and embarrassment. ... . Have an incontinence care kit on hand. ... . Choose clothing that's easy to change and launder.. Why is it important for the nurse to address the issue of urinary incontinence?Nurses can greatly improve the quality of life for these patients by assessing for incontinence in a sensitive manner and then providing patient education about methods to prevent and/or manage incontinence.
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