A patient with dementia is on bladder training. What should the nurse suggest?

• A. Do not intervene
• B. Use bedpan only at night
• C. Encourage void on a scheduled basis
• D. Maintain as-needed voiding with no routine

Answer: (C)

Bladder training relies on creating a predictable voiding pattern to retrain the bladder, which is especially helpful when dementia affects the ability to recognize urge. For a patient with dementia, the nurse sets up a scheduled toileting times and gently prompts the patient to void, aiming to gradually extend the interval as possible. This approach reduces incontinence episodes, protects skin, and makes caregiving more manageable by establishing a reliable routine.

Not intervening misses the opportunity to train the bladder. Using a bedpan only at night disrupts daytime structure and can increase discomfort and skin issues. Voiding only as needed with no routine fails to build the habit and leads to more unpredictable leakage and greater caregiver burden.