In a patient with overflow incontinence, which statement best describes the pattern?

• A. Leakage occurs with cough
• B. Leakage occurs after a strong urge
• C. Leakage occurs due to incomplete emptying and high residual
• D. Leakage only with physical activity

Answer: (C)

Overflow incontinence is driven by the bladder not emptying completely, so urine remains (high post-void residual) and the bladder overfills until leakage occurs. This leads to leakage that happens because the bladder is overdistended from incomplete emptying, often described as a small continuous dribble or spurts. It stands in contrast to leakage with coughing or exertion (stress incontinence) or leakage after a strong urge (urge incontinence). So the pattern best describing overflow incontinence is leakage due to incomplete emptying and high residual.