Care Plan for Incontinence

Category / Primary Body System

• Genitourinary System

Problem

• Patient is at risk for complications related to incontinence.

Goal

• Patient will not develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) for 90 days.

Plan/Approach

1. Assessment and Monitoring

   • Assess patient’s bowel and bladder status on admission, quarterly, and as needed
   • Monitor for signs of increased confusion and report to MD/RNP

2. Incontinence Care

   • Provide incontinence care per house protocol
   • Use incontinence absorbent products daily

3. Medication Management

   • Administer medications as ordered
   • Collect urine for urinalysis, culture, and sensitivity (UA/C+S) as ordered

4. Patient Comfort and Toileting Assistance

   • Assist with toileting as ordered
   • Encourage regular toileting schedule to prevent incontinence episodes

5. Education and Support

   • Educate the patient on the importance of hydration and regular toileting
   • Provide emotional support and reassurance

Rationale

1. Assessment and Monitoring

   • Regular assessment of bowel and bladder status helps identify changes early and allows for timely interventions.
   • Monitoring for confusion can help detect early signs of a UTI or other complications, facilitating prompt treatment.

2. Incontinence Care

   • Following a strict incontinence care protocol and using absorbent products helps maintain skin integrity, reducing the risk of skin breakdown and infection.

3. Medication Management

   • Proper administration of medications and timely collection of urine samples ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of any infections or underlying conditions.

4. Patient Comfort and Toileting Assistance

   • Assisting with toileting and encouraging a regular schedule can reduce the frequency of incontinence episodes and promote dignity and comfort.

5. Education and Support

   • Educating the patient about hydration and regular toileting can prevent UTIs and improve overall urinary health.
   • Providing emotional support helps the patient cope with the challenges of incontinence.

Actions

1. Assessment and Monitoring

   • Assess the patient’s bowel and bladder function upon admission, quarterly, and as needed.
   • Observe for any signs of confusion or changes in mental status, and report these to the MD/RNP immediately.

2. Incontinence Care

   • Follow the facility’s incontinence care protocol meticulously, ensuring thorough and gentle cleaning after each episode of incontinence.
   • Apply incontinence absorbent products daily, and change them promptly when soiled.

3. Medication Management

   • Administer prescribed medications accurately and on time.
   • Collect urine samples for urinalysis, culture, and sensitivity tests as ordered, ensuring proper technique to avoid contamination.

4. Patient Comfort and Toileting Assistance

   • Assist the patient with toileting at regular intervals and as needed.
   • Encourage the patient to follow a regular toileting schedule to reduce incontinence episodes.

5. Education and Support

   • Educate the patient on the importance of drinking adequate fluids to flush out the urinary tract.
   • Provide information on how to recognize early symptoms of a UTI.
   • Offer emotional support and reassurance to the patient, addressing any concerns or anxieties related to incontinence.