A client with BPH is prescribed an alpha-blocker medication. The nurse should instruct the client about which potential side effect of this medication?

A. Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine due to activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing or sneezing. It is not related to the symptoms described in the question.

B. Overflow urinary incontinence is characterized by a constant dribbling of urine due to an overdistended bladder. It is typically seen in conditions that obstruct urine flow, such as BPH, but it does not present as difficulty starting the urine stream and a weak flow.

C. This is the correct answer. Difficulty starting the urine stream and a weak urinary flow are common symptoms of urinary retention, a condition in which the bladder does not fully empty during voiding due to an obstruction, such as an enlarged prostate in BPH.

D. Urge urinary incontinence is characterized by a sudden, strong urge to urinate, followed by involuntary urine loss. It is not related to the symptoms described in the question.

Questions

A. Encouraging the client to increase fluid intake would be inappropriate in this case, as the client already has a distended bladder and difficulty starting the urinary stream, which are signs of urinary retention.

B. While assisting the client in finding a comfortable position for voiding is important, it will not relieve the current urinary retention.

C. Teaching the client relaxation techniques is beneficial for overall health, but it will not address the immediate issue of urinary retention.

D. This is the correct answer. Catheterization is necessary to relieve urinary retention and drain the distended bladder.