Leakage with a sudden urge to urinate is characteristic of which condition?

Leakage with a sudden urge to urinate is characteristic of which condition?

• A. Oliguria
• B. Urinary Hesitancy
• C. Overactive Bladder
• D. Urinary Retention

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is urge incontinence due to detrusor overactivity, which is a hallmark of overactive bladder. In this condition, the bladder muscle (detrusor) becomes hypersensitive and contracts involuntarily, producing a sudden, compelling urge to void. That urgent need often leads to leakage if a person cannot reach the commode in time. Overactive bladder typically presents with urgency, sometimes accompanied by frequency and nocturia, and when leakage occurs with that sudden urge, it’s described as urge incontinence. In contrast, oliguria means low urine output, urinary hesitancy is difficulty starting urination, and urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder—none of these center on leakage triggered by a sudden urge.

The concept being tested is urge incontinence due to detrusor overactivity, which is a hallmark of overactive bladder. In this condition, the bladder muscle (detrusor) becomes hypersensitive and contracts involuntarily, producing a sudden, compelling urge to void. That urgent need often leads to leakage if a person cannot reach the commode in time.

Overactive bladder typically presents with urgency, sometimes accompanied by frequency and nocturia, and when leakage occurs with that sudden urge, it’s described as urge incontinence. In contrast, oliguria means low urine output, urinary hesitancy is difficulty starting urination, and urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder—none of these center on leakage triggered by a sudden urge.