A nurse is teaching a client about bladder retraining for incontinence. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Severe fluid restriction is not recommended for bladder retraining. Limiting fluids can lead to concentrated urine, bladder irritation, constipation, and increased risk of urinary tract infections. Instead, patients are encouraged to maintain adequate hydration while scheduling voiding. B. Pelvic-floor muscle (Kegel) exercises strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and urethral sphincter. This improves bladder control and reduces episodes of incontinence. They are a key component of bladder retraining programs. C. Citrus juices can irritate the bladder and worsen urinary urgency and frequency in some clients. They are not recommended as part of bladder retraining. D. While protective garments may be used temporarily for hygiene or comfort, they are not part of bladder retraining teaching. Bladder retraining focuses on scheduled voiding, urge suppression techniques, and pelvic-floor strengthening rather than reliance on incontinence products.