Level 1: basic assessment and management of urinary incontinence in nursing homes

Urinary incontinence (UI) in nursing home residents is a prevalent condition that can be assessed and treated without using sophisticated testing or technology. NPs play a major role in the assessment, treatment, and management of incontinence using the Resident Assessment Profile of the Minimum Data Set to identify potentially reversible and readily treatable causes of incontinence. This article describes the basic (Level I) assessment and management of UI in nursing home residents and provides guidelines for referral to more advanced levels of continence care.