Incontinence

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Urinary Incontinence 

• Urinary Incontinence is an involuntary loss of urine. There are many types of incontinence, ranging from temporary to permanent, and can be caused by physical or neurological conditions, stress and muscle strain, or medication side effects.

The Most Common Types

• Stress - The leakage of small amounts of urine due to sudden pressure on the bladder experienced when laughing, coughing, exercising or lifting.
• Urge - A sudden urge to urinate that is so strong, the bathroom cannot be reached in time.
• Overflow - When the bladder fills beyond capacity and urine spills.
• Reflex - Involuntary urination that occurs without a sensation of a full bladder.
• Functional - Unable to hold urine due to a physical disability or problems thinking or communicating. This can result from surgery, restricted mobility, environmental barriers, medications or mental disorders.

Myths vs. Facts about Incontinence

Myth: An incontinence patient needs to be checked and changed every two hours.
Fact: Only regulation patients need to be repositioned every two hours. This does not apply to changing briefs.

Myth: As a caregiver, you can never provide too much care.
Fact: The biggest mistake caregivers can make is providing too much care. As a caregiver, your highest goal is to give the person you are caring for the power and permission to be in control of his or her own life (as much as possible).

What can you do?

According to Judy Borcherdt, RN, BSN, Tranquility Clinical Staff Manager, to ensure reduction of bacteria growth by adamant cleansing and using products that neutralize the pH of urine.

If a rash develops, immediately treat the area, avoid wet clothing and use products that pull the moisture away from the skin.

Use a high performance disposable incontinence product. They are designed to meet the "individual" needs of each resident. Products come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles and provide light, moderate and heavy absorbency.

It is essential to keep in mind that the resident is an "individual" and the "one size brief for all" is not an effective way to manage incontinence.

Impaired Skin Integrity

Urinary Incontinence creates a high risk for impaired skin integrity. Over-exposure to moisture can cause the skin to become macerated which makes skin very fragile.

To prevent skin maceration caused by incontinence:

• Prevent excessive skin wetness
• Maintain the skin at its natural pH range (between 4 & 7)
• Minimize direct contact with urine
• Clean to avoid bacteria

In-Service Education

• Caring for Residents with Urinary Incontinence
• Preventing Urinary Tract Infections
• Promoting Healthy Bowel Elimination

Resources

• National Association for Continence (NAFC) - dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with incontinence. Find them on the web at www.nafc.org or 800-BLADDER.
• The Simon Foundation for Continence - dedicated to removing the stigma around incontinence and providing hope for people affected by incontinence. Find them on the web at www.simonfoundation.org or 800-23Simon. 
• Avoiding the Problem of Commode Cross Contamination - Read more (PDF)
• Bladder Matters- A Guide to Managing Overactive Bladder
• Determining the Saturation Point, Rate of Absorption, and Closure Efficacy of Absorbent Containing Plastic Liners for Bed Pans and Commodes - Read more (PDF)
• The Newly Revised F-Tag 315 and Surveyor Guidance for Urinary Incontinence in Long-Term Care - Read more
• Why Sani-Bag?

For More Information

Astellas Pharma - www.astellas.us  
Cleanwaste- www.cleanwaste.com
Tranquility Incontinence Products - www.tranquilityproducts.com

 

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