A patient who is paralyzed has been diagnosed with reflex incontinence. The nurse caring for the patient should include which preventive measure in the teaching plan with this patient?

Question

A) Regular perineal care to prevent skin breakdown
B) Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor
C) Small, frequent meals
D) Limited fluid intake to prevent incontinence

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback: Reflex incontinence is associated with a spinal cord lesion that interrupts cerebral control, resulting in no sensory awareness of the need to void. Total incontinence occurs in patients with a psychological impairment when they cannot control excreta. A patient who is paralyzed cannot perform Kegel exercises. Small, frequent meals would make no difference in reflex incontinence. Limited fluid intake would make no impact on a patient's ability to sense the need to void.