An older adult patient is upset after waking in a bed that is wet and has a strong urine odor. Which immediate nursing action is appropriate?

• A. Obtain a clean, voided urine specimen for analysis
• B. Change the bed linens and provide an incontinence brief
• C. Administer a diuretic
• D. Offer a bath and dress the patient

Answer: (A)

Immediate action focuses on identifying a potential cause of the new incontinence, especially in older adults where a urinary tract infection is a common and treatable reason. Obtaining a clean-voided urine specimen for analysis allows you to quickly check for infection markers such as bacteria, leukocytes, and nitrites, guiding timely treatment and preventing progression. While cleaning the patient up, changing the bed linens, and providing an incontinence brief are important for comfort, safety, and skin integrity, they do not diagnose the underlying issue. Giving a diuretic would worsen incontinence and isn’t appropriate right now, and offering a bath addresses hygiene but not the urgent diagnostic need.