Mr John Spout is a 70 year old man. He was a school teacher, married with two daughters.
He was admitted with a right hemiparesis, unsteadiness and dysphasia. He is right handed.
Past medical history of hypertension, smoker and mild cognitive impairment.
He has been in hospital for 2 weeks and is now mobile with the use of a walking frame. He continues to have some mild right sided weakness, his speech is improving and he is noted to have urinary incontinence.
His wife has stated she could not cope with her husband at home if he remains incontinent.
Q. As a nurse what would you do to manage these continence problems? (Choose from the options below).
A. Nothing because this would be expected following a stroke – No – Doing nothing is not an option
B. Undertake assessment of urinary/faecal continence – Yes – Well done, this is the correct choice. Completing an assessment is essential to identify his problems and make a rehabilitation plan.
C. Refer to continence advisor – No – Sorry, this is not the right step at this point. The right step is to undertake assessment of urinary/faecal continence as part of your rehabilitation role.
Page last reviewed: 31 Jan 2022
