Devices for continence

Ameliorating the acute and chronic forms of incontinence is usually possible. When the functional status of the patient prohibits toileting, then devices are often necessary. The practicing nurse must make decisions on what devices are appropriate and how to teach clients to use them. Often, knowing the device exists is a start in the nurse's ability to eliminate functional incontinence. This article focuses on devices that collect urine, inhibit incontinence, and aid staff and clients to use the toilet.