Urinary Incontinence

Urinary leakage is a symptom pattern, not a single diagnosis. Leakage during a cough points toward a different mechanism than a sudden urge, painless dribbling from retention, loss without warning after neurologic injury, or failure to reach the toilet because of impaired mobility or cognition. The nurse begins by identifying that pattern, looking for reversible contributors, and determining whether the bladder empties. That sequence prevents two common errors: treating every patient with the same continence strategy and using an indwelling catheter as a substitute for assessment or toileting assistance. Management may combine bladder training, pelvic floor muscle work, medication, procedures, and skin protection. The safest plan depends on the mechanism of leakage as well as cognition, mobility, blood pressure, renal function, glaucoma risk, gastric emptying, and prior retention.