A client with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) asks the nurse about the cause of their urinary symptoms.
Which response by the nurse accurately explains the pathophysiology of BPH?

Choice A rationale:

"Medication adherence is unnecessary for BPH management." is not a correct statement.

Medications are often prescribed to manage BPH symptoms, such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

Adherence to medication regimens is crucial for symptom control and preventing complications associated with untreated BPH.

Choice B rationale:

"You should only focus on emotional support; it's the most important intervention." is not a correct statement.

While emotional support is important in nursing care, it is not the sole or most important intervention for managing BPH.

BPH management typically involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.

Choice C rationale:

"Lifestyle modifications and medication adherence are essential components of care." is the correct statement.

Managing BPH often requires a holistic approach, which includes lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and increased physical activity, along with medication adherence.

These interventions can help alleviate symptoms and improve the client's quality of life.

Choice D rationale:

"No interventions are required; BPH will resolve on its own." is not a correct statement.

BPH is a chronic condition that typically does not resolve on its own.

Without appropriate management, BPH symptoms can worsen over time, leading to complications like urinary retention.

Therefore, nursing interventions and medical management are necessary for BPH patients.

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

BPH is not primarily caused by an excess of estrogen.

While hormonal changes are involved, it is the increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, that leads to prostate tissue overgrowth.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

The prostate gland in BPH does not shrink but rather enlarges, leading to urinary symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct answer.

BPH is caused by hormonal changes, particularly an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which leads to prostate tissue overgrowth.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

BPH is not caused by an infection in the urinary tract.

While urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause similar symptoms, they are not the underlying cause of BPH.