Patient interview

How to interview a patient with urinary incontinence

Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.

MD / DOPANursing (NCLEX)
Practice it in VR with Blocky

Many patients do not mention leaking urine unless asked. The type of leak guides the treatment.

Step by step

  1. Introduce yourself and ask gently

    Normalize the topic: "Many people have trouble holding urine. Has this happened to you?" [1]

  2. Type of leak

    With cough, sneeze or lifting (stress), with a sudden strong urge (urge), constant dribbling (overflow), or both. [2]

  3. Frequency and amount

    How often, how much, pads per day, night-time urination. [2]

  4. Reversible causes

    Infection, constipation, new medicines (diuretics, sedatives), high blood sugar, limited mobility, confusion. [3]

  5. History

    Childbirth, pelvic surgery, prostate problems, neurologic disease. [3]

  6. Red flags

    Blood in urine, pain, new leg weakness or numbness in the saddle area. [3]

  7. Impact and plan

    Effect on daily life and mood. Explain next steps and that treatment works. [1]

Common errors

Practice it in VMS

In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.

VMS cases that train this skill

Sources

  1. AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs)
  2. NBOME COMLEX-USA clinical presentations
  3. NCCPA PANCE Content Blueprint

Facts and steps follow NBOME COMLEX-USA clinical presentations; NCCPA PANCE Content Blueprint; AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.