A frail older person admitted after a fall is incontinent because they cannot safely walk to the bathroom. Which action should the nurse take to improve safety and reduce incontinence episodes?

A frail older person admitted after a fall is incontinent because they cannot safely walk to the bathroom. Which action should the nurse take to improve safety and reduce incontinence episodes?

• A. Restrict ambulation to be with assistance only
• B. Apply additional padding to the bed
• C. Place a portable commode at the bedside
• D. Discuss use of an indwelling urinary catheter with the healthcare provider

Answer: (C)

Providing a bedside portable commode gives immediate toilet access without requiring the frail patient to walk to a distant bathroom. When ambulation is unsafe, this setup allows timely voiding with assistance, which reduces urinary leakage, protects skin from moisture, and lowers fall risk by avoiding risky trips to a distant bathroom. It also supports dignity and comfort while promoting safer mobility with staff help. Other options don’t address the core issue: restricting movement without improving access can worsen deconditioning; extra padding doesn’t prevent the need to void and can fail to address moisture-related skin problems; and a catheter, while it stops leakage, increases infection risk and is not preferred if the patient can void with accessible facilities.

Providing a bedside portable commode gives immediate toilet access without requiring the frail patient to walk to a distant bathroom. When ambulation is unsafe, this setup allows timely voiding with assistance, which reduces urinary leakage, protects skin from moisture, and lowers fall risk by avoiding risky trips to a distant bathroom. It also supports dignity and comfort while promoting safer mobility with staff help. Other options don’t address the core issue: restricting movement without improving access can worsen deconditioning; extra padding doesn’t prevent the need to void and can fail to address moisture-related skin problems; and a catheter, while it stops leakage, increases infection risk and is not preferred if the patient can void with accessible facilities.