Which term describes the inability to control bladder and/or bowels?

Which term describes the inability to control bladder and/or bowels?

• A. Incontinence
• B. Edema
• C. Bilateral
• D. Tracheostomy

Answer: (A)

Incontinence is the inability to control bladder and/or bowels. It can involve urine, stool, or both, and may be temporary or long-lasting, with causes ranging from infections or medications to nerve or muscle problems and aging. In a health care setting, note and report changes, protect the skin with appropriate cleansing and barrier care, and support the patient’s dignity with timely toileting and privacy. The other terms refer to unrelated things: edema is swelling from fluid buildup, bilateral means on both sides, and tracheostomy is an airway opening—none describe loss of continence.

Incontinence is the inability to control bladder and/or bowels. It can involve urine, stool, or both, and may be temporary or long-lasting, with causes ranging from infections or medications to nerve or muscle problems and aging. In a health care setting, note and report changes, protect the skin with appropriate cleansing and barrier care, and support the patient’s dignity with timely toileting and privacy. The other terms refer to unrelated things: edema is swelling from fluid buildup, bilateral means on both sides, and tracheostomy is an airway opening—none describe loss of continence.