The nurse is creating a bladder retraining program for the 74-year-old female patient who is incontinent of urine. Which aspect of the training program is most important?

Ensure the patient drinks at least 2 liters of fluid per day. The most important aspect of a bladder retraining program in an elderly patient is to ensure adequate fluid intake. This will decrease the risk for urinary tract infection, which has serious implications for the patient’s health and continence. The nurse should also model a positive attitude for the patient, even during episodes of incontinence, to help the patient remain persistent. Monitoring for behavioral changes prior to episodes of incontinence can help the nurse recognize and intervene before the patient is incontinent. A mainstay of bladder retraining is determining the patient’s bladder schedule and helping the patient to the bathroom prior to incontinence. However, the most important aspect is ensuring the patient does not develop dehydration or a urinary tract infection.

The nurse is creating a bladder retraining program for the 74-yea...

Category: Basic Care and Comfort
Difficulty: 9

Topics: Communication & Documentation Fluid and Electrolytes Elimination Health Care Quality Health Promotion Infection Nursing Interventions

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