A 10-year-old is implementing behavioral strategies to manage nocturnal enuresis. The client tells the nurse, "I want to go to sleep-away camp during the summer, but if I have an 'accident,' I'm afraid that other kids will tease me." What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pharmacological interventions are often used as second-line treatment for nocturnal enuresis in children age >5 years; this is done when there has been little or no response to behavioral approaches and/or when short-term improvement of enuresis is desired for attending sleepovers or overnight camp. A trial run is usually done at least 6 weeks before camp to determine the appropriate drug dose and effectiveness. However, there is a high risk of relapse once the drug is discontinued. Medications used to treat nocturnal enuresis include the following: Desmopressin reduces urine production during sleep. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine, amitriptyline, and desipramine improve functional bladder capacity. (Option A) This statement gives the client false reassurance. Although nocturnal enuresis resolves eventually, there is no guaranteed time frame. (Option B) This response ignores the child's desire to go to overnight camp and dismisses any possibility of helpful treatment. (Option D) Wearing a pull-up could embarrass the child at overnight camp. Educational objective: Pharmacological interventions such as desmopressin and tricyclic antidepressants are often used for nocturnal enuresis treatment in children age >5 years when there has been little or no response to behavioral approaches and/or when short-term improvement of enuresis is desired for attending sleepovers or overnight camp.

A 10-Year-Old Is Implementing Behavioral Strategies to Manage Nocturnal Enuresis