An 87-year-old patient has suddenly become incontinent. What should the nurse's first action be?
a. Review the patient's record for medica-tions that may be causing urinary inconti-nence.
b. Seek an order for an indwelling urinary catheter to prevent skin breakdown.
c. Limit the patient's fluid intake to reduce the feeling of having to void so often.
d. Teach the patient to void every 2 hours when awake during the day or night.
A
Medication is a common cause of incontinence and should always be suspected as a potential cause of new incontinence. A catheter is not needed. Limiting fluids leads to dehydration. Void-ing every 2 hours at night will disrupt sleep.
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