Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What condition is indicated by urine leaking without a strong urge to void?

1. Stress incontinence

2. Overflow incontinence

3. Urge incontinence

4. Functional incontinence

The correct answer is: Overflow incontinence

Urine leaking without a strong urge to void is indicative of overflow incontinence. This condition occurs when the bladder is unable to empty completely, leading to frequent or constant dripping of urine. In individuals with overflow incontinence, the sensation of a full bladder may not trigger the typical urgency to urinate, resulting in involuntary leakage. This can happen due to factors such as blockage of the urinary tract, weakened bladder muscles, or nerve damage affecting bladder function. By contrast, stress incontinence typically involves leakage when there is pressure on the bladder, such as during coughing or physical activity. Urge incontinence is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine. Functional incontinence occurs when a physical or cognitive barrier prevents the individual from reaching the bathroom in time, despite intact bladder function. Therefore, the specific scenario of urine leakage without an urge clearly aligns with the characteristics of overflow incontinence.