A client with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) seeks medical advice. The nurse anticipates that the initial diagnostic evaluation for BPH will likely include:

A. Alpha-blockers do not directly reduce the size of the prostate gland. They work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bladder neck and prostate, improving urinary flow and reducing obstructive voiding symptoms.

B. This is the correct answer. Alpha-blockers are commonly prescribed for BPH to relax the smooth muscles of the bladder neck and prostate, relieving the obstruction and improving urine flow.

C. Inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the mechanism of action of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, not alpha-blockers. DHT plays a role in prostate enlargement, and inhibiting its production can reduce the size of the prostate over time.

D. Alpha-blockers do not enhance urine production by the kidneys. They primarily focus on relaxing the smooth muscles to improve urinary flow.

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.