Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) Practice

What action should the nurse take for an older client with Alzheimer disease experiencing urinary incontinence?

1. Encourage the client to wear adult diapers

2. Restrict the client’s fluid intake

3. Take the client to the bathroom at regular intervals

4. Provide scheduled urinary catheterization

The correct answer is: Take the client to the bathroom at regular intervals

The chosen answer involves the nurse regularly taking the client to the bathroom as a proactive measure to assist with urinary incontinence, especially in an older client with Alzheimer’s disease. This approach recognizes that individuals with cognitive impairments may not perceive the need to use the bathroom or may forget to do so, which contributes to episodes of incontinence. By establishing a routine, the nurse helps the client maintain dignity and autonomy while reducing the risk of accidents and promoting better overall hygiene. This action supports the client’s needs by reinforcing a structured environment where they are more likely to be successful in managing their bladder control. Regular bathroom visits can help establish a pattern that the client may begin to recognize, thereby potentially reducing incontinence episodes over time. In contrast, encouraging the use of adult diapers can be seen as a passive approach that might not address the underlying issue of incontinence in a supportive manner. While it offers a temporary solution, it doesn’t promote self-management or independence. Restricting fluid intake is not advisable as it may lead to dehydration and other health complications; it does not address the incontinence issue effectively. Providing scheduled urinary catheterization might be an invasive intervention that is unnecessary for basic management of urinary incontinence and typically reserved for more severe situations.