A nurse is reviewing the health history and bladder scan results of a client who reports dribbling urine and feeling bladder fullness. The bladder scan shows a post-void residual volume of 300 mL. Which type of urinary incontinence should the nurse suspect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Functional incontinence: Functional incontinence occurs when physical or cognitive barriers prevent timely toileting, despite normal bladder function. This client demonstrates incomplete bladder emptying with significant residual urine. B. Overflow incontinence: Overflow incontinence results from urinary retention and incomplete bladder emptying, leading to frequent dribbling and a sensation of bladder fullness. The bladder scan showing 300 mL post-void residual strongly supports this diagnosis, as the bladder remains distended even after voiding. C. Urge incontinence: Urge incontinence is caused by overactive bladder contractions, leading to sudden, strong urges to urinate and involuntary leakage. It is not typically associated with high post-void residual volumes, making it less likely in this case. D. Stress incontinence: Stress incontinence is leakage of urine during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing or sneezing. It occurs due to weak pelvic floor muscles, not bladder retention, so high residual urine volume does not match this condition.