In the elderly, the capacity may decrease to 250 - 300 cc compared to approximately 600 mls in a young person. Approximately 150-250 cc may be stored (less in the elderly) before there is a sensation of bladder pressure. As the bladder fills beyond 150-250 mL the individual begins toilet seeking.
Anatomical integrity of the bladder, urethra and external sphincter.The bladder and external sphincter activity must be coordinated to store and release urine. The healthy bladder muscle (detrusor) is stable and does not contract until the person relaxes the external sphincter. Post void residual (PVR) of 50 to 100 mL is generally accepted as normal in the elderly ( Ballstaedt, L. 2022). The literature suggests that younger people empty their bladder every 4 to 5 hours and older people empty their bladder every 3 to 4 hours within a 24 hour period.
Complex feedback loops involving the brain's frontal lobebrain's frontal lobe, the sacral reflex center in the spinal cord, and the sphincter interact to complete the voiding cycle. Click here for an indepth review of the micturition mechanism.
- Mental
- Able to identify need to void.
- Can locate an appropriate place to urinate.
- Physical
- Has the mobility to get to toilet.
- Can remove clothing as necessary.