A nurse completed the health assessment but needed to use the elderly

A nurse completed the health assessment but needed to use the elderly woman’s bathroom. The nurse noticed perineal pads under the sink. Which of the following questions would the nurse most likely ask the woman?

a. “Can you tell me why you need to have perineal pads?”
b. “Do you know how to do Kegel exercises to help control your urine?”
c. “Does another woman live with you or visit often?”
d. “Why do you have perineal pads? Are you bleeding down there?”

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: B
Because the woman did not mention incontinence, it may be assumed to be very embarrassing. Therefore, the nurse should matter-of-factly address urine control problems by suggesting a self-help intervention of Kegel exercises. It may be assumed that the nurse, having completed a health assessment, would know about bleeding, as well as frequent visitors or family nearby.