Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 75%
Simulated
A nurse assessing a client notes that the client has a constant leakage of small amounts of urine and a bladder that is distended and palpable. The nurse should associate these findings with which of the following types of urinary incontinence?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Overflow incontinence. This type of urinary incontinence is characterized by a constant leakage of small amounts of urine due to an overfull bladder that is distended and palpable. The bladder becomes unable to empty completely, leading to the constant dribbling of urine. This can be caused by conditions such as bladder outlet obstruction or weak bladder contractions.
Summary of other choices:
B: Reflex incontinence - Involuntary loss of urine due to a lack of control over the bladder's reflex activity. Not associated with a distended bladder.
C: Stress incontinence - Involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing or sneezing. Not associated with a distended bladder.
D: Urge incontinence - Involuntary loss of urine associated with a sudden, strong urge to urinate. Not associated with a distended bladder.
Summary of other choices:
B: Reflex incontinence - Involuntary loss of urine due to a lack of control over the bladder's reflex activity. Not associated with a distended bladder.
C: Stress incontinence - Involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing or sneezing. Not associated with a distended bladder.
D: Urge incontinence - Involuntary loss of urine associated with a sudden, strong urge to urinate. Not associated with a distended bladder.