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. Preventing recurrent urinary tract infections is not the primary purpose of combination therapy with an alpha-blocker and a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.

B. While some improvement in erectile function may occur with alpha-blockers, the primary purpose of the combination therapy is not to address erectile dysfunction.

C. This is the correct answer. The combination of an alpha-blocker and a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor is used to enhance the effects of both medications. Alpha-blockers help relieve urinary symptoms quickly by relaxing the smooth muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, while 5-alpha reductase inhibitors work over time to shrink the prostate and improve urinary flow.

D. Reducing the risk of urinary incontinence is not the primary goal of combination therapy with these medications.

Questions

A. This is the correct answer. In cases of acute urinary retention, immediate relief is achieved through catheterization to drain the bladder and relieve the obstruction caused by the enlarged prostate.

B. Medications to reduce bladder spasms may be used as an adjunct to catheterization in managing urinary retention but are not the primary intervention for relieving the obstruction.

C. Invasive surgical intervention may be considered for persistent or severe cases of BPH, but it is not the initial step in managing acute urinary retention.

D. Increased fluid intake may be beneficial for overall bladder health but will not directly relieve the obstruction causing acute urinary retention.

Questions