Enuresis
Enuresis usually refers to nighttime urinary incontinence in girls age 5 and older and boys age 6 and older. This sign rarely continues into adulthood, but may occur in some adults with sleep apnea. It's classified as primary or secondary. Primary enuresis describes a child who has never achieved bladder control; secondary enuresis describes a child who achieved bladder control for at least 3 months but has lost it.
Among factors that may contribute to enuresis are delayed development of detrusor muscle control, unusually deep or sound sleep, organic disorders (such as a urinary tract infection [UTI] or obstruction), and psychological stress. Psychological stress, probably the most important factor, commonly results from the birth of a sibling, the death of a parent or loved one, divorce, or premature, rigorous toilet training. The child may be too embarrassed or ashamed to discuss his bed-wetting, which intensifies psychological stress and makes enuresis more likely—thus creating a vicious circle.
History and physical examination
When taking a history, include the parents as well as the child. First, determine the number of nights each week or month that the child wets the bed. Is there a family history of enuresis? Ask about the child's daily fluid intake. Does he drink much after dinner? What are his typical sleep and voiding patterns? Find out if the child has ever had control of his bladder. If so, try to pinpoint what may have precipitated enuresis, such as an organic disorder or psychological stress. Does the bed-wetting occur at home and away from home? Ask the parents how they've tried to manage the problem, and have them describe the child's toilet training. Observe the child's and parents' attitudes toward bed-wetting. Finally, ask the child if it hurts when he urinates.
Next, perform a physical examination to detect signs of neurologic or urinary tract disorders. Observe the child's gait to check for motor dysfunction, and test sensory function in the legs. Inspect the urethral meatus for erythema, and obtain a urine specimen. A rectal examination to evaluate sphincter control may be required.
Medical causes
Detrusor muscle hyperactivity.Involuntary detrusor muscle contractions may cause primary or secondary enuresis associated with urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence. Signs and symptoms of a UTI are also common.
Urinary tract obstruction.Although daytime incontinence is more common, urinary tract obstruction may produce primary or secondary enuresis. It may also cause flank and lower back pain; upper abdominal distention; urinary frequency, urgency, hesitancy, and dribbling; dysuria; a diminished urine stream; hematuria; and variable urine output.
UTI.In children, most UTIs produce secondary enuresis. Associated features include urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, straining to urinate, and hematuria. Lower back pain, fatigue, and suprapubic discomfort may also occur.
Nursing considerations
▪ Administer medications, such as imipramine, desmopressin, or an anticholinergic, as indicated.
▪ Provide emotional support to the child and his family.
Patient teaching
▪ Encourage the parents to accept and support the child.
▪ Teach the parents and child how to manage enuresis at home.
▪ Discuss bladder training if the child has detrusor muscle hyperactivity.
▪ Teach the use of an alarm device, if appropriate, for the child age 8 and older.
▪ Explain any underlying causes of the enuresis and its treatment.
Book Source Details
- Book Title: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms
- Author(s): Springhouse
- Year of Publication: 2007
- Copyright Details: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, Copyright © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Other Book Chapters Related to Enuresis
Read excerpts from these other book chapters related to Enuresis:
Medical Books Excerpts
- NOCTURIA
- "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
- [ read ]
- ENURESIS
- "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
- [ read ]
- Enuresis
- "In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
- [ read ]
- NOCTURIA
- "Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Nocturia
- "Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Enuresis
- "Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Nocturia
- "Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Enuresis
- "Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Nocturia
- "The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter" (2000)
- [ read ]
- Nocturia
- "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Nocturia
- "Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Enuresis
- "Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
- [ read ]
- NOCTURIA
- "Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007)
- [ read ]
Copyright Details: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.
More About Causes of Enuresis
» Next page: NOCTURIA (Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)
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