1.
Incontinence typically begins after the age of 50.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
For many people, incontinence issues may begin as early as age 40.
2.
Incontinence is among the top two reasons that families give up on home care and place a loved one in an institutional nursing facility.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
More than half of all residents in nursing homes are incontinent and research shows it is the second leading cause of institutionalization.
3.
50% of men and women with diabetes experience bladder control problems.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Incontinence is the most common complication associated with type 2 diabetes.
4.
On average, people wait up to two years before seeking treatment for their bladder control problems.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
According to research, people wait on average SEVEN years before seeking treatment from their healthcare provider.
5.
When choosing absorbent products, it’s generally a good idea to go one size bigger than necessary to hold any excess liquid.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Bigger isn’t always better – fit is critical to effectiveness. It’s also important to make sure there are breathable side panels or zones to ensure optimal air flow, comfort and skin protection.
6.
When a woman who is continent is admitted to a long-term care facility, there’s a less than 10% chance that she will become incontinent within one year of admission.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Nearly 25% of women admitted to a long-term care facility will become incontinent within a year of admission.
7.
Less than 50% of people who experience loss of bladder control symptoms seek treatment or use products to manage their incontinence.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Nearly 65% of people who experience bladder control symptoms forego products or treatments!
8.
Urinary incontinence is associated with an increase in falls among individuals over the age of 65.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
One-third of people over the age of 65 fall every year, and urinary incontinence has been reported as a top risk factor. For example, individuals who experience urge incontinence (involuntary leakage accompanied by or immediately preceded by urgency) may rush to the toilet to avoid wetting themselves. Medications used to treat incontinence can cause dizziness, which increases the chance of falls.
9.
Experiencing bladder control issues is a normal part of aging and not much can be done to stop it.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
While it is true that changes occur in our bodies as we age that make older adults, particularly women, more likely to experience bladder control loss, it is not accurate to consider it a normal or inevitable part of the aging process. There are many treatment options and management strategies available to help support and optimize bladder health throughout the aging process.
10.
In an effort to control cost and optimize quality of care for Medicaid recipients, most states have adopted NAFC’s Quality Standards for Disposable Absorbent Products.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
While there are quality standards for adult absorbent products, most states have failed to adopt/implement these standards. NAFC is working hard to address this discrepancy. Please support the adoption and implementation of NAFC’s Quality Standards for Disposable Adult Absorbent Products.
11.
As long as an absorbent product is changed often, leakage and skin irritation will not occur.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
While product changes are important, choosing the right size product with breathable side panels and a quality absorbent core will help prevent skin irritation and leakage.
12.
Women with Urge incontinence have an increased risk of falling.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
A woman with urge incontinence may feel an overwhelming compulsion to empty her bladder if it contains urine. This increases the likelihood of someone rushing and tripping on her way to the bathroom. Here’s the good news: findings suggest that the identification and treatment of urge incontinence may actively prevent the risk of falls and fractures.
13.
In order to control incontinence, reducing daily fluid intake from the recommended 6 cups of water a day is a good first step.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
While limiting the amount of liquid consumed will result in less urine, the smaller amount of urine may become highly concentrated and become irritating to the bladder. This may ultimately cause urinary tract infections, which can trigger frequency of urination and the sudden urge to go.
14.
Women experience bladder weakness more frequently than hay fever.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
In fact bladder health challenges impact the daily lives/routines of 30-50% of women.
15.
Incontinence affects half of US older adults who DO NOT live in a residential care facility or nursing home.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Incontinence is a common challenge, especially for individuals over the age of 65 (including those that live at home).
16.
Kegel exercises are for women only.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Both men and women are advised to do kegel exercises (the act of squeezing the muscles you use to stop the flow of urine) to prevent, and in some cases, reverse incontinence.
17.
Wearing a feminine hygiene/sanitary napkin is acceptable for bladder leak protection.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Menstrual pads aren’t designed to absorb urine or control odor. Wearing a menstrual pad instead of an appropriate absorbent product may also result in rash or irritation.
18.
It is common to wake up to urinate two or more times per night.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Urine production often decreases at night, allowing most people to sleep six to eight hours without having to use the bathroom. To help reduce nighttime bathroom visits, drink as little as possible for at least 4 hours prior to bedtime. If the problem continues, please speak with your doctor.
19.
Bladder capacity shrinks over the years.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that while bladder and urethral function can decline throughout adult life, bladder capacity rarely changes.
20.
Most experts regard weight loss as a first-line treatment recommendation for urinary incontinence in those people who are considered overweight or obese.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Weight loss has been shown to significantly reduce urinary incontinence symptoms in overweight individuals – yet another reason to keep a watchful eye on the scale.