Question

A nurse is asked to instruct a patient on performing Kegel exercises. The patient should be instructed to contract the muscles normally used to stop the flow of urine. Which proper technique should the nurse explain?

a. Contract for 3 to 4 seconds and relax for 10 seconds.
b. Contract for 10 seconds and relax for 10 seconds.
c. Contract for 10 seconds and relax for 3 to 4 seconds.
d. Contract for 3 to 4 seconds and relax for 3 to 4 seconds.

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the patient to perform Kegel exercises by contracting the pelvic floor muscles for 3 to 4 seconds and relaxing for 10 seconds, aiding in strengthening the muscles that control urinary flow.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct technique for performing Kegel exercises that the nurse should explain to the patient for optimal benefit is to contract for 3 to 4 seconds and then relax for 10 seconds. When performing Kegel exercises, the patient contracts the muscles used to intermittently stop the stream of urine, known as the pelvic floor muscles. This contraction should be held for a few seconds, and then the muscles should be relaxed for a longer period to allow them to recover. The cycle of contraction and relaxation is repeated several times throughout the day. These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and control the flow of urine.