Many patients become incontinent and/or cannot control emptying their bladder. Some have difficulty fully emptying their bladder and may become uncomfortable or restless as the bladder distends.
Tips for Managing Incontinence
- Waterproof pads or adult briefs will protect clothing and furniture.
- Keep the patient’s skin clean and dry often to avoid skin irritations or breakdown.
- Sometimes a catheter (a thin, soft tube) is inserted into the bladder to drain urine. Your nurse can do this if it becomes best for the patient.
- Allow for privacy, with doors closed, curtains pulled, or privacy screens.
- Stay close by for the patient’s safety, in case they need assistance.
- Use a bedside commode, bedpan, or urinal if walking to the bathroom is not safe or too difficult. Your Care Team can arrange for this equipment.
Call Your Care Team if:
- Patient has not urinated or emptied bladder for 12-18 hours.
- Patient experiences abdominal pain or burning when urinating or when emptying bowels.
- Patient’s urine is discolored, dark, or contains blood.
- Patient is unable to control urination.
