Question

Mrs. D'Ambrosia, an alert, ambulatory, older nursing home resident, voids frequently and has difficulty making it to the bathroom in time. The nurse planning her care is aware of which of the following?

A. Incontinence is to be expected in a woman Mrs. D'Ambrosia's age.
B. One of every 10 nursing home residents is incontinent.
C. Kegel exercises performed at regular intervals throughout the day may be helpful.
D. An indwelling catheter should be inserted as soon as possible.

Answer 1

Kegel exercises are a recommended treatment for strengthening pelvic muscles and improving stress urinary incontinence in elderly women like Mrs. D'Ambrosia, rather than assuming incontinence is to be expected or immediately opting for an indwelling catheter.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse planning care for Mrs. D'Ambrosia, who is experiencing frequent voiding and difficulty making it to the bathroom in time, should be aware that urinary incontinence is not simply to be expected due to age and can be a sign of underlying health issues, such as a urinary tract infection or weakened pelvic floor muscles. Instead of assuming this condition is normal for someone of Mrs. D'Ambrosia's age or immediately resorting to an indwelling catheter, which can increase the risk of infection, Kegel exercises are often recommended to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve stress urinary incontinence. Frequent urine leakage may also be a sign of urge incontinence, caused by uncontrolled bladder contractions, which often requires different treatment approaches.