A nurse has identified that the patient has overflow incontinence. What is a major factor that contributes to this clinical manifestation?
A. Coughing
B. Mobility deficits
C. Prostate enlargement
D. Urinary tract infection
Correct Answer: C. Prostate enlargement
An enlarged prostate compresses the urethra and interferes with the outflow of urine, resulting in urinary retention. With urinary retention, the pressure within the bladder builds until the external urethral sphincter temporarily opens to allow a small volume (25-60mL) of urine to escape (overflow incontinence). Men who are unable to completely empty their bladder and experience unexpected urine leakage may have what is called overflow incontinence.
Option A: Coughing, which raises the intra abdominal pressure, is related to stress incontinence, not overflow incontinence. An enlarged prostate can interfere with the passage of urine through the urethra, the tube connected to the bladder.
Option B: Mobility deficits, such as spinal cord injuries, are related to reflex incontinence, not overflow incontinence. Damage to nerves near the bladder causing under-activity. This can occur with neurological injury or with diseases such as diabetes.
Option D: Urinary tract infections are related to urge incontinence, not overflow incontinence. Men with this type of urinary incontinence often do not feel that their bladders are full, which then leads to leakage as the bladder has reached its full capacity. In addition to leakage, urine left in the bladder can lead to urinary tract infections due to the growth of bacteria as well as bladder stones.