Question

1. What complicating factors can affect urinary incontinence?

2. Discuss why it is important to support the patient with a toileting schedule and promote their hydration.

3. Why is it important to give peri-care, provide garment and linen changes frequently to patients who are incontinent of urine/feces?

4. How can the Personal Support Worker possibly prevent this for the patient and help promote fecal and urinary continence?

5. What types of treatments are sometimes used for individuals experiencing constipation?

Answer 1

1.Factors that increase your risk of developing urinary incontinence include:

• Gender. Women are more likely to have stress incontinence
• Age. As you get older, the muscles in your bladder and urethra lose some of their strength
• Being overweight
• Family history
• Other diseases

2.Incontinence has been defined as ‘the involuntary or inappropriate passing of urine and/or faeces that has an impact on social functioning or hygiene.Therefore it is important to support the patient with a toileting shedule. It is associated with better bowel and bladder hygiene, improved skin care. It improves patients dignity and well being and helps in reducing frustration and agitation.

3. Garments, pads etc should be changed frequently , these products allow urine or stool to be in constant contact with the skin. Over time, the skin breaks down. Special care must be taken to keep the skin clean and dry. This can be done by:

• Cleaning and drying the area right away after urinating or having a bowel movement.
• Cleaning the skin with mild, dilute soap and water then rinsing well and gently patting dry.

4. proper nutrition, the avoidance of constipation, weight loss, and physical activity is beneficial in improving symptoms.These interventions along with slight exercises helps for urinary and faecal continence.

5.

1. Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day. ...
2. Add fruits, vegetables whole grains and other high-fiber foods to your diet. ...
3. Eat prunes and/or bran cereal.
4. Keep a food diary and single out foods that constipate you.
5. Get moving, exercise.
6. If constipation still persist use mild laxatives or suppositories.