A female client asks, "Why do I leak urine every time I cough or sneeze?" The health care worker's response is based on which physiologic principle?

Question

A) Involuntary bladder continence during filling
B) A pressure difference between the urethra and bladder
C) When intravesical pressure exceeds maximal urethral closure pressure
D) A decrease in bladder distensibility

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Stress incontinence represents the involuntary loss of urine that occurs when, in the absence of detrusor muscle action, the intravesical pressure exceeds the maximum urethral closure pressure. Stress incontinence, which is a common problem in women of all ages, occurs as the result of weakness or disruption of pelvic floor muscles, leading to poor support of the vesicourethral sphincters. Except during the act of micturition, intraurethral pressure is normally greater than intravesical pressure. Urge incontinence and overactive bladder are associated with urgency caused by bladder infection or CNS or myogenic mechanisms. Overflow incontinence is an involuntary loss of urine that occurs when intravesical pressure exceeds the maximal urethral pressure because of bladder distention in the absence of detrusor activity.