A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and reports frequent leakage of small amounts of urine. The nurse notes that the client’s bladder is palpable upon examination. The nurse should identify these findings as which of the following forms of incontinence?
Stress
Urge
Functional
Overflow
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Stress incontinence occurs when urine leaks due to pressure on the bladder from activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. It is typically associated with weakened pelvic floor muscles or urethral sphincter deficiency. However, it does not usually involve a palpable bladder or frequent leakage of small amounts of urine.
Choice B Reason:
Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine. This condition is often caused by involuntary bladder contractions. While it involves frequent urination, it does not typically present with a palpable bladder.
Choice C Reason:
Functional incontinence occurs when a person is unable to reach the toilet in time due to physical or mental impairments, such as severe arthritis or dementia. This type of incontinence is not related to bladder function itself and does not involve a palpable bladder.
Choice D Reason:
Overflow incontinence is characterized by the frequent leakage of small amounts of urine due to an overfilled bladder that cannot empty completely. This condition often results in a palpable bladder upon examination, as the bladder remains distended with urine. It is commonly seen in postoperative clients or those with conditions that obstruct urine flow or impair bladder emptying.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Place several pillows behind the client’s head. This intervention is incorrect. Placing several pillows behind the client’s head can lead to neck flexion, which can increase intracranial pressure by obstructing venous outflow from the brain.
Choice B Reason
Place the client in a lateral semi-prone recumbent position. This position is not ideal for managing increased intracranial pressure. The optimal position is to keep the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees with the neck in a neutral position to promote venous drainage and reduce ICP.
Choice C Reason
Keep the client’s neck in a midline position. This is the correct intervention. Keeping the neck in a midline position helps to ensure proper venous drainage from the brain, thereby reducing intracranial pressure. It is a standard practice in managing patients with elevated ICP.
Choice D Reason
Maintain flexion of the client’s hips at a 90-degree angle. This intervention is incorrect. Flexion of the hips can increase intra-abdominal pressure, which in turn can increase intracranial pressure. It is important to avoid hip flexion in patients with elevated ICP.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Decreasing leg strength is a common symptom of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and indicates the progression of muscle weakness. While it is concerning and should be monitored, it is not as immediately critical as respiratory complications.
Choice B Reason:
Decreasing voice volume can indicate involvement of the cranial nerves and potential respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to respiratory failure. This is an urgent finding that requires immediate attention to prevent respiratory complications.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased deep tendon reflexes are a hallmark of GBS and are expected in the progression of the disease. While they should be documented and monitored, they do not require immediate reporting unless accompanied by other critical symptoms.
Choice D Reason:
Decreased sensation in the arms is another common symptom of GBS due to peripheral nerve involvement. It should be monitored, but it is not as urgent as signs of respiratory compromise.
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