title: Nursing assessment of the incontinent geriatric outpatient population.
abstract: The key to effective management of urinary incontinence is a comprehensive evaluation that accurately characterizes the type of incontinence and, if possible, identifies the underlying etiology. The nurse has a vital role in the initial assessment of the incontinent elderly individual in the outpatient setting. By obtaining a thorough history and physical examination, a voiding diary, and simple laboratory tests, the nurse can make a preliminary diagnosis of the type of incontinence. In simple, uncomplicated cases, the nurse might initiate a trial of behavioral treatment prior to further evaluation. In complex cases, referral for further gynecologic or urologic evaluation may be initiated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community and Psychiatric Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing, Richmond.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Wyman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010808:Physical Examination; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014563:Urodynamics