Question

Eight months after the delivery of her first child, a 31-year-old woman has sought care because of occasional incontinence that she experiences when sneezing or laughing. Which of the following measures should the nurse first recommend in an attempt to resolve the woman's incontinence?

A. Kegel exercises
B. Use of adult incontinence pads
C. Intermittent self-catheterization
D. Dietary changes including fluid restriction

Answer 1

The first recommendation for a woman with stress urinary incontinence is to perform Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which can improve the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first recommendation for a woman experiencing incontinence when sneezing or laughing, a condition knowns as stress urinary incontinence, would be A. Kegel exercises. Stress urinary incontinence is often a result of weakened pelvic floor muscles due to childbirth. Kegel exercises help strengthen these muscles, thereby improving support for the urethra and potentially resolving or lessening incontinence issues. Other measures like the use of adult incontinence pads might provide temporary relief, dietary changes, or intermittent self-catheterization could be considered if initial conservative management is ineffective.