The type of incontinence in which there is constant dribbling of urine and is associated with urinating frequently and in small amount is called?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

Overflow incontinence is characterized by the involuntary loss of urine that occurs when the bladder becomes overdistended.
The classic symptoms are constant dribbling or leakage, a weak urinary stream, and the need to urinate frequently in small amounts (frequency).
This condition arises because the pressure within the chronically full bladder exceeds the pressure that the urethral sphincter can withstand, leading to a continuous 'overflow' of urine.
Common causes include bladder outlet obstruction (e.g., benign prostatic hyperplasia in men), an underactive detrusor muscle (atonic bladder), or certain medications.

Option B: Stress incontinence is leakage caused by a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure, not by an overfull bladder. The leakage is intermittent and linked to specific physical activities.
Option C: Functional incontinence is not caused by a bladder problem itself, but by external factors that prevent the person from reaching the toilet in time. The urinary system is otherwise intact.
Option D: Urge incontinence is defined by a sudden, compelling urge to urinate, which is difficult to defer, and is typically followed by a large-volume loss of urine, not constant small dribbles.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of Urinary Incontinence as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurately identifying the type of incontinence is critical for selecting the correct management strategy. For overflow incontinence, the primary goal is to relieve the obstruction or assist with bladder emptying.
A key nursing assessment is checking for post-void residual (PVR) volume using a bladder scanner. A high PVR (typically greater than 100 mL) confirms incomplete bladder emptying and suggests overflow incontinence.
Untreated overflow incontinence can lead to serious complications, including recurrent UTIs, bladder stones, and hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidneys), which can progress to renal failure.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key symptoms described in the question stem: 'constant dribbling' and 'urinating frequently and in small amounts'.
Consider the underlying pathophysiology of each option. Think about what causes each type of leakage.
Stress incontinence is about physical pressure (cough, sneeze). Urge incontinence is about a sudden 'gotta go' feeling from an overactive bladder. Functional incontinence is about not being able to get to the toilet.
Overflow incontinence is about the bladder being too full and 'spilling over' because it cannot empty properly.
Match the symptoms in the stem to the correct pathophysiology. 'Constant dribbling' is the most direct clue for an overfull, overflowing bladder.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Types of Urinary Incontinence
Stem keywords: incontinence, constant dribbling, urinating frequently, small amount
Lead-in keywords: is called
Clinical cues: Constant dribbling of urine is a hallmark sign of bladder overdistension.

QWE7YDxoXKQzmIN5B5L5rk

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 2 p. 112-114

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 5 p. 237-239

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 457-459

Practise the full AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.