The bladder never empties fully and small amounts of urine leak continuously.

• A. Urge incontinence
• B. Overflow incontinence
• C. Functional incontinence
• D. Urinary retention

Answer: (B)

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, so urine builds up and gradually leaks out in small amounts. This fits the scenario of a bladder that is never fully emptied and leaks continuously, because the overdistended bladder involuntarily dribbles as it tries to relieve the built-up pressure. The underlying issue is urinary retention with a high residual volume, which is characteristic of overflow.

Urge incontinence involves a sudden, strong urge to void followed by leakage, not a steady dribble from incomplete emptying. Functional incontinence results from external factors (like mobility or cognitive issues) preventing timely bathroom use, rather than a bladder that cannot empty. Urinary retention describes an inability to void and retention without the ongoing leakage pattern described.