Which nursing intervention best promotes urinary continence in a client recovering from a cerebrovascular accident?

• A. Encouraging intake of at least 2 L of fluid daily
• B. Giving the client a glass of soda before bedtime
• C. Taking the client to the bathroom twice per day
• D. Consulting with a dietitian

Answer: (A)

Ensuring adequate hydration supports normal urine production and provides the bladder with regular filling to trigger the voiding reflex, which helps retrain bladder control after a cerebrovascular accident. Encouraging at least 2 liters of fluids daily gives the bladder enough urine to practice controlled voiding and reduces the risk of irritation, infection, and urinary retention. This approach directly facilitates the development of continence when paired with scheduled toileting and bladder-training strategies.

The glass of soda before bed can irritate the bladder and promote nighttime urination, which worsens continence. Taking the client to the bathroom only twice a day is too infrequent to establish a reliable voiding pattern. Consulting with a dietitian, while important for overall nutrition, does not directly promote urinary continence.