A man with urinary incontinence tells the registered nurse he wears adult incontinence briefs for protection. What potential risks should the registered nurse discuss with this client?
Recurring skin breakdown and urinary tract infections.
Recurring foul odor and leakage of briefs.
Recurring inability to control urine output.
Recurring public embarrassment.
The Correct Answer is A
Skin breakdown:
Prolonged exposure to urine, especially in the presence of incontinence briefs, can irritate and macerate the skin, leading to breakdown.
Factors contributing to skin breakdown:
Moisture from urine:
Creates a warm, moist environment ideal for bacterial growth.
Disrupts the skin's natural barrier function, making it more susceptible to damage.
Friction from incontinence briefs:
Can rub against the skin, causing irritation and further damage.
Chemical irritants in urine:
Ammonia and other substances in urine can further irritate and damage the skin.
Signs of skin breakdown:
Redness, warmth, tenderness, or swelling of the skin.
Blisters, erosions, or ulcers.
Pain or discomfort.
Prevention of skin breakdown:
Frequent changing of incontinence briefs (as soon as they become wet or soiled).
Thorough cleansing of the skin with mild soap and water after each change.
Application of a skin barrier cream or ointment to protect the skin.
Use of breathable incontinence briefs that allow air to circulate.
Monitoring of the skin for signs of breakdown and seeking prompt medical attention if any occur. Urinary tract infections (UTIs):
Bacteria from the skin can enter the urinary tract through the urethra, leading to infection.
Factors increasing UTI risk in those with incontinence:
Incomplete bladder emptying:
Residual urine in the bladder provides a breeding ground for bacteria.
Use of incontinence briefs:
Can trap moisture and bacteria near the urethra.
Difficulty with personal hygiene:
May lead to the spread of bacteria from the skin to the urinary tract.
Signs of a UTI:
Frequent urination.
Pain or burning during urination.
Urgency to urinate.
Blood in the urine.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
Prevention of UTIs:
Maintaining good personal hygiene.
Drinking plenty of fluids to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
Promptly emptying the bladder when the urge to urinate is felt.
Seeking medical attention if any signs of a UTI occur.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale for Choice A:
Sims' position is a side-lying position with the lower arm and leg flexed and the upper arm and leg extended. It is not ideal for bladder scanning because it can displace the bladder and potentially lead to inaccurate readings. While it can be used for other purposes, such as inserting rectal suppositories or performing vaginal exams, it's not the optimal choice for bladder scanning.
Rationale for Choice B:
Dorsal recumbent position is a supine position with the knees bent and feet flat on the bed. While it provides some exposure of the bladder, it may not fully visualize the entire bladder due to potential compression from the abdominal contents. This can also result in inaccurate readings.
Rationale for Choice D:
High Fowler's position is a semi-sitting position with the head of the bed elevated at a 45- to 60-degree angle. This position is not suitable for bladder scanning because it can cause the bladder to shift upward and out of the optimal scanning range. It's typically used for respiratory comfort and procedures involving the head and upper body.
Rationale for Choice C:
Supine position is the best position for bladder scanning because it allows for the most accurate visualization of the bladder. In this position, the patient lies flat on their back with their legs extended. This position allows the bladder to rest naturally in the pelvic cavity, ensuring optimal positioning for the bladder scanner to capture a clear image and provide an accurate measurement of bladder volume. It also promotes patient comfort and relaxation during the procedure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Reduced kidney ability to concentrate urine is a common physiological change associated with normal aging. This is due to several factors, including:
Decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR): The kidneys filter waste products from the blood. As we age, the number of functioning nephrons (filtering units) in the kidneys decreases, leading to a decline in GFR. This means that the kidneys are less able to filter waste products and concentrate urine.
Decreased renal blood flow: Blood flow to the kidneys also decreases with age. This further reduces the kidneys' ability to filter waste products and concentrate urine.
Decreased tubular function: The tubules in the kidneys are responsible for reabsorbing water and electrolytes from the urine. As we age, the function of the tubules also declines, leading to a decrease in the ability to concentrate urine.
As a result of these changes, older adults often produce more urine, even at night. This can lead to nocturia, which is the need to wake up to urinate two or more times per night.
Choice B rationale:
Lower fluid intake during daytime hours can also contribute to nocturia, but it is not a direct physiological change associated with normal aging. Older adults may drink less fluids during the day for a variety of reasons, such as decreased thirst sensation, fear of incontinence, or limited access to fluids. However, even if they maintain adequate fluid intake during the day, they may still experience nocturia due to the reduced ability of their kidneys to concentrate urine.
Choice C rationale:
Enhanced bladder contractility leading to urinary stasis is not a typical physiological change associated with normal aging. In fact, bladder contractility often decreases with age, which can lead to difficulty emptying the bladder completely. This can contribute to urinary frequency and urgency, but it is not typically a cause of nocturia.
Choice D rationale:
Increased bladder muscle tone leading to frequent urination is also not a typical physiological change associated with normal aging. Bladder muscle tone may decrease with age, which can lead to difficulty emptying the bladder completely. However, it is not typically a cause of nocturia.
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