URINARY INCONTINENCE

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine in sufficient amount or frequency to be a social or hygiene problem. Urinary is not a normal part of aging. Incontinence has medical, emotional, social, and economic consequences for older adults. It can result in skin irritation or breakdown and can contribute to pressure ulcers; it can lead to guilt and frustation; it can lead social isolation; and it can be costly because of the need to purchase expensive undergarments and replace or launder clothing more frequently.

I share this video to explain the kegel exercises. Kegel exexercise are helpful in improving the tone of the sphincter muscles. Improved muscle tone can help the person hold the urine until he or she can reach a toilet or obtain assistance. 

 Other important advice to reduce the episodes of urinary incontinence is modify clothing to make toileting easier. Use velcros closures and elastic waists with loops may speed undressing and reduce functional problems related to toileting.

To reduce episodes urinary incontinence a important intervention is reduce enviromental barriers by providing grab bars in the bathroom, installing toilet risers, keeping the urinal or bedpan readily available, and providing a call signal for assistance. 

Fluid restriction increases the risk for problems with fluid balance and bowel elimination. For this reason we havo to assess fluid intake patterns. 

From my point of view the most important thing related to urinary incontinence is that it is not a psysiologic change. Urinary incontinence is a unconfortable situation for elderly. Episodes of incontinence are embarrasing and can lead to frustation and loss of slelf-esteem. We have to make talking about incontinence episodes easier to the patient. 

The use of absorbent pad when they are no necessary boost urinary incontinence to patients. In case of the use of absorbent pad we have to highlight the importance of good skin care and hygiene to prevent pressure ulcers.

Bibliography:
Hoffman. G. Basic geriatric nursing. 5th edition. Ed. Elsevier. 2012 St. Louis, Missouri.
Martinez. E: Ruiz. J.L: Gómez. L: Ramírez.M: Delgado. F:Rebollo.P: González. D:Arumi. D. Prevalence of urinary incontinence and oberactive bladder in spanish population: results from EPICC study. 2009. Grupo de estudio cooperativo EPICC.