Question

A nurse assesses an older adult who has been having a difficult time sleeping throughout the night and incontinence. Which of the following questions by the nurse will best provide clues to these problems?

A. "How many times a night do you get up to urinate?"
B. "What did your health care practitioner tell you about your medications?"
C. "What medications do you take when you need to stay asleep?"
D. "What beverages do you drink on a regular basis?"

Answer 1

The best question a nurse can ask to assess problems of difficulty sleeping and incontinence in an older adult is, "How many times a night do you get up to urinate?". option A is correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

A student has asked which question posed by a nurse will best provide clues to the problems of an older adult having difficulty sleeping and experiencing incontinence. The most relevant question to address both concerns would be: "How many times a night do you get up to urinate?" This question directly explores the frequency of nocturnal urination, which can disrupt sleep and indicate urinary incontinence issues.

Urinary incontinence is often a chronic condition characterized by the uncontrolled leakage of urine and can significantly impact the quality of life. Factors contributing to urinary incontinence in the elderly may include physical challenges, neurological conditions like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, an enlarged prostate in men, or overactive bladder conditions such as stress incontinence or urge incontinence in women.

Moreover, the presence of symptoms such as frequent urination during the night (nocturia) can lead to disturbed sleep patterns, like those observed in insomnia. It's necessary to consider daily fluid intake, health conditions, and potential infections, such as urinary tract infections, which can exacerbate these issues. Hence, assessing nocturia provides valuable clues to the nurse regarding both sleep disturbances and incontinence problems.