Table 1.
Action | Problem/ Target | Full Intervention |
---|---|---|
Monitoring | Genito-urinary Function Nutrition Functional Status Cognition |
Comprehensive assessment of incontinence and contributing factors, including fluid intake, bowel status, functional status, and cognition23, 24 |
Monitoring | Bowel Function | Medical & surgical problems that might affect bowel status 23 |
Monitoring | Medications | Medications which may have an impact on the incontinence23, 24 |
Monitoring | Environment | Proximity and availability bathrooms or commode and adequacy of lighting23, 24 |
Monitoring | Genito-urinary Function | Use of voiding record23 |
Treatment | Integument | Skin cleansing after in incontinent episode and utilizing barrier ointments24 |
Treatment | Bladder Care | Provide bladder training / prompted voidings with gradual increasing time between voidings23, 24, 28-30 |
Teach | Nutrition | Minimize foods that irritate the bladder24 |
Teach | Nutrition | Adequate level of fluid intake, minimize the use of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages 23 |
Teach | Nutrition | Weight reduction13 |
Teach | Bladder care | Pelvic floor muscle exercises13, 24, 25 |
Teach | Bladder Care | Absorbent products consistent with patient preferences24, 31, 31 |
Teach | Medications | Teach about use of anticholinerics for overactive bladder, including side effects32 |
Coordinate | Community Resources | Nurses should be knowledgeable about community resources for personal development, referral, and ongoing assistance23, 24 |
Coordinate | Community Resources | Refer to specialist nurse for incontinence management33 |