The nurse is caring for a 5-year-old who has frequent involuntary urination at night. The child is diagnosed with nocturnal enuresis. What is the most likely cause?
Explanation
• In young children, nocturnal enuresis is primarily a problem of delayed or incomplete neuromuscular maturation of the bladder. The condition is benign and self-limiting. Up to 20% of 5-year-olds have nocturnal enuresis. No treatment is required.
Incorrect options:
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are suspected as the cause of enuresis after a child is old enough to control the bladder. UTIs can also cause enuresis in adults.
• Psychological stress may cause enuresis, but it is not the leading cause.
• Vesicoureteral reflux is the reversal of urine flow back into the kidneys. This generally does not cause enuresis.