Getting Ready for Continence Certification

Abstract

A. Suggest a referral to a psychologist. B. Offer body-worn absorbent product information. C. Communicate consistently and avoid blaming language. D. Provide a handout of pelvic floor exercises.1. A 73-year-old woman with irritable bowel hesitantly reports occasional bowel leakage. Which of the following strategies can the Certified Continence Care Nurse (CCCN) employ to help reduce her reluctance to share with her health care team?A ccording to a systematic literature review, 1 value added to the health care system by wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nurses includes teaching and mentoring, cost reduction, improved efficiency, improved wound outcomes, improved incontinence outcomes, advanced treatments, research, leadership, and quality of life (QoL). The most significant evidence for value added by WOC nurses was for QoL improvement and was further demonstrated through improved incontinence-specific outcomes.Continence issues reportedly lead to decreased health-related QoL across the life span. The prevalence of incontinence varies by age and sex, and, though not necessarily a sign of aging, the burden of incontinence is expected to rise with a rising population of older Americans. 2 Many people do not seek treatment of incontinence due to stigma or a belief that it is a normal part of the aging process. 3 Incorporating validated health-related QoL instruments enable certified continence nurses to this key construct of health and improve physical outcomes and QoL outcomes for their patients.The following questions aim to prepare for continence certification by exam. The questions pertain to Exam Outline Domain 1, Task 5: Assess health-related quality of life of patients with continence issues.2. During her primary assessment, a 64-year-old woman with a body mass index of 30 mentions she has been spending more money than she can afford on body-worn absorbent products over the past year, as she manages her urinary incontinence with the products 24 hours a day. Which validated quality of life (QoL) assessment tool would the continence nurse administer?A. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) B. Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) C. The Mini-Cog D. The Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7)