Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients with Urinary Disorders Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients with Urinary Disorders related questions and content

A nurse is working with a female patient who has developed stress urinary incontinence. Pelvic floor muscle exercises have been prescribed by the primary care provider. How can the nurse best promote successful treatment?

  • A. Clearly explain the potential benefits of pelvic floor muscle exercises.
  • B. Ensure the patient knows that surgery will be required if the exercises are unsuccessful.
  • C. Arrange for biofeedback when the patient is learning to perform the exercises.
  • D. Contact the patient weekly to ensure that she is performing the exercises consistently.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Research shows that written or verbal instruction alone is usually inadequate to teach an individual how to identify and strengthen the pelvic floor for sufficient bladder and bowel control. Biofeedback-assisted pelvic muscle exercise (PME) uses either electromyography or manometry to help the individual identify the pelvic muscles as he or she attempts to learn which muscle group is involved when performing PME. This objective assessment is likely superior to weekly contact with the patient. Surgery is not necessarily indicated if behavioral techniques are unsuccessful.