What question should the nurse ask if stress incontinence is suspected?

When evaluating a patient for potential stress incontinence, it is crucial to understand the specific circumstances that lead to the involuntary leakage of urine. Asking whether the patient experiences urine leakage when they cough or sneeze directly addresses the hallmark sign of stress incontinence, which is the loss of urine that occurs due to sudden increases in abdominal pressure. This can happen during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or physical exertion.

This question targets the specific symptoms related to stress incontinence and helps the nurse gather relevant information that can guide further assessment and intervention. Questions about the distention of the bladder or the completeness of voiding are more related to issues such as bladder dysfunction or urinary retention. Similarly, inquiries about how alcohol or caffeine consumption impacts symptoms could pertain to urge incontinence or other factors, but they do not specifically target the mechanics of stress incontinence. Therefore, the chosen question is essential for identifying the characteristics of the patient's urinary leakage in relation to increased intra-abdominal pressure.