Incontinence care
Effective incontinence
care may help to
improve skin integrity
and patient dignity.
Incontinence, the inability of the body to control urination (urinary incontinence) or defecation (fecal incontinence) is a problem that varies in severity and affects a wide range of patients.1,2
Urinary incontinence is more common than fecal incontinence.1 It is the partial or total loss of control of the bladder and is more common in women than in men. The condition is more likely to affect people as they get older.2
Fecal incontinence is uncontrolled defecation, whether solid, liquid, or wind with leakage.1
Incontinence can be uncomfortable and distressing and in some cases it has serious consequences for the patient.3 The nursing staff has a major impact on patient care and well-being in these cases.
References [+]
- Incontinence, bowel. Health Encyclopaedia. NHS direct. http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. Accessed November 22, 2007.
- Incontinence, urinary. Health Encyclopaedia. NHS direct. http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. Accessed November 22, 2007.
- Beitz JM. Fecal Incontinence in Acutely and Critically Ill patients: Options in Management. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2006; 52(12):56-66.