Diana J. Mason, Jennifer Leeman, and Sandra G. Funk respond: We agree. Many times incontinence can be cured, and we in no way intended to suggest that this is a condition women should simply accept. Although incontinence is not an illness per se, it can be a chronic condition that is sometimes associated with illness. Nurses have a critical role to play in the care of patients in whom incontinence is a chronic condition as well as those in whom a complete cure is possible.

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