A nurse assesses an older adult who has difficulty sleeping and incontinence. Which question will best provide clues to these problems?

The question regarding the beverages the older adult drinks regularly is the most insightful for gaining information related to difficulty sleeping and incontinence. Certain beverages, particularly those containing caffeine or alcohol, can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to increased urinary frequency or urgency. Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with sleep, while alcohol may lead to fragmented sleep cycles. Additionally, fluid intake, especially before bedtime, can exacerbate issues with incontinence if the individual is consuming large amounts of liquids that include diuretics or irritants.

By focusing on the beverages consumed, the nurse can identify potential links between dietary habits and the patient's nighttime symptoms, which can help in developing a tailored care plan to address both sleep disturbances and incontinence. This approach emphasizes understanding lifestyle factors that may affect the patient rather than solely focusing on hygiene products or bedtime routines.