A client who is a paraplegic as a result of an auto accident has incontinence. The nurse correctly recognizes which type of incontinence is most likely?

Question

A) Stress
B) Urge
C) Reflex
D) Functional

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
An involuntary loss of urine that occurs at somewhat predictable intervals when a specific bladder volume is reached is called reflex incontinence. The person is unable to sense bladder fullness because of neurologic impairment, and the bladder simply empties when a certain degree of bladder stretch occurs. Bladder emptying occurs at the sacral reflex level because of impairment of the connection to the cerebrum that allows voluntary inhibition of voiding. Reflex incontinence is seen in clients with neurologic impairment, such as a spinal cord lesion, cerebrovascular accident, or brain tumor. The sudden, involuntary loss of small amounts (less than 50 mL) of urine that accompanies a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure is called stress incontinence, termed urge incontinence. The person with urge incontinence is unable simultaneously to perceive a full bladder and to hold urine until reaching the bathroom. Functional incontinence involves the inability or unwillingness of a person with normal bladder and sphincter control to reach the bathroom in time to void.