Which finding is most indicative of overflow incontinence due to urinary retention?

Which finding is most indicative of overflow incontinence due to urinary retention?

• A. Post-void residual volume of 250 mL
• B. Sudden urge to urinate with leakage
• C. Leakage with coughing
• D. Nocturnal enuresis

Answer: (A)

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder cannot empty completely, so urine leaks as pressure builds from retention. A post-void residual volume of 250 mL shows substantial urine remains after voiding, indicating retention and a high likelihood of overflow leakage. This high residual is the strongest sign that the incontinence is due to the bladder not emptying fully. By comparison, a sudden urge with leakage points to urge incontinence from detrusor overactivity, leakage with coughing signals stress incontinence from urethral support weakness, and nocturnal enuresis is more about nighttime polyuria or detrusor overactivity at night rather than retention.

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder cannot empty completely, so urine leaks as pressure builds from retention. A post-void residual volume of 250 mL shows substantial urine remains after voiding, indicating retention and a high likelihood of overflow leakage. This high residual is the strongest sign that the incontinence is due to the bladder not emptying fully.

By comparison, a sudden urge with leakage points to urge incontinence from detrusor overactivity, leakage with coughing signals stress incontinence from urethral support weakness, and nocturnal enuresis is more about nighttime polyuria or detrusor overactivity at night rather than retention.