Final answer:
The cardinal sign of "wetting pants" when sneezing is an indicator of stress incontinence, typically treated with Kegel exercises or possibly surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient confides that sneezing causes her to "wet her pants," the nurse should recognize that this is a cardinal sign of stress incontinence. This condition is caused by the loss of support of the urethra which is often the result of stretched pelvic floor muscles, a common occurrence during childbirth. Stress urinary incontinence is characterized by the leakage of small amounts of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting. Treatment for this condition may include Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, and in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to improve bladder support.