How to give continence care
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In Making Synapses you practice it on the patient.
Incontinence is common in older adults but is not a normal part of aging. Good care protects skin, dignity and comfort.
Step by step
Assess the problem
Ask when leaks happen and how often. Find the type: stress, urge, overflow or functional. [1]
Look for causes
Check for infection, constipation, medicines and trouble getting to the toilet. [2]
Set a schedule
Offer the toilet at regular times, such as every 2 hours, and right after meals. [3]
Make the toilet easy to reach
Use a clear path, a bedside commode or a raised seat. [2]
Protect the skin
Clean gently after each episode, dry well and use barrier cream. [4]
Respect dignity
Provide privacy, use respectful words and avoid calling products diapers. [3]
Keep fluids up
Do not restrict fluids unless ordered. Limit caffeine in the evening. [3]
Common errors
- Limiting fluids to reduce leaks.
- Leaving the patient wet.
- Using pads instead of offering the toilet.
Practice it in Making Synapses
In Making Synapses you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
Making Synapses cases that train this skill
Sources
- NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan
- CDC STEADI (falls in older adults)
- Open RN, Nursing Fundamentals 2e (CC BY 4.0)
- Open RN, Nursing Skills 2e (Chippewa Valley Technical College) (CC BY 4.0)
Facts and steps follow CDC STEADI (falls in older adults); NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan. Making Synapses is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.