A nurse is reinforcing bladder management instructions with a client who has urinary incontinence. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "I should use the bathroom at set times during the day.": Timed voiding or scheduled toileting helps manage urinary incontinence by training the bladder and reducing episodes of urgency. This strategy promotes better bladder control and prevents accidents. Following a consistent schedule supports the effectiveness of bladder management interventions. B. "I can insert a catheter in my bladder at bedtime.": Intermittent or indwelling catheterization carries risks of infection and is not recommended as a routine nightly practice for managing incontinence. Catheter use should be reserved for specific medical indications and performed under sterile technique. C. "I should stop drinking fluids an hour before bedtime.": While reducing fluid intake before sleep may decrease nighttime urination, limiting fluids too aggressively can lead to dehydration and concentrated urine, which may irritate the bladder. Proper bladder management emphasizes scheduled voiding rather than fluid restriction alone. D. "I can continue to drink coffee every day.": Caffeine is a bladder irritant and can worsen urgency and incontinence. Daily consumption may counteract bladder management strategies. Avoiding or limiting caffeinated beverages is recommended to reduce symptoms and improve control.