A client is frustrated and embarrassed by urinary incontinence. Which of the following measures should the nurse include in a bladder retraining program?

• A. Assessing present elimination patterns.
• B. Administering sedatives.
• C. Restricting fluids to zero.
• D. Ignoring the patient's concerns.

Answer: (A)

Understanding how to retrain the bladder starts with gathering baseline information about the client’s urinary habits. By assessing present elimination patterns, the nurse gains data on how often voiding occurs, the volumes, any leakage, nighttime urination, and the contexts that accompany incontinence. This helps shape a personalized plan—often including scheduled voiding intervals, gradual extension of time between voids, strategies to suppress urgency, and instructions for pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises. With solid baseline data, the care team can monitor progress and adjust the plan effectively.

Sedatives won’t help with bladder retraining and can worsen incontinence and safety, especially in older adults. Restricting fluids to zero is unsafe and counterproductive, as proper hydration supports urinary health and controlled voiding. Ignoring the patient’s concerns undermines engagement and the likelihood of success.