A registered nurse is about to catheterize a female patient.
What should the nurse take into account when comparing the anatomy of the female urethra to that of the male urethra?
The female urethra is significantly longer than the male urethra.
The female urethra has a distinct anatomy and nerve innervation.
The female urethra is not connected to the bladder.
The female urethra is considerably shorter than the male urethra.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
The female urethra is not significantly longer than the male urethra. In fact, it is considerably shorter. The average length of the female urethra is about 4 cm (1.5 inches), while the average length of the male urethra is about 20 cm (8 inches). This difference in length has important implications for catheterization, as it means that the female urethra is more easily accessible and less likely to be damaged during the procedure.
Choice B rationale:
The female urethra does have a distinct anatomy and nerve innervation compared to the male urethra. However, these differences are not as relevant to the process of catheterization as the difference in length. The key anatomical difference to consider is the location of the urethral opening. In females, the urethral opening is located just above the vaginal opening, while in males, it is located at the tip of the penis. This difference in location means that different techniques are required for catheterizing males and females.
Choice C rationale:
The female urethra is connected to the bladder. This is a fundamental anatomical fact that is essential for understanding the process of urination. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In females, the urethra is also involved in sexual intercourse and childbirth.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct answer. The female urethra is considerably shorter than the male urethra. This difference in length is important to consider when catheterizing a female patient, as it means that the urethra is more easily accessible and less likely to be damaged during the procedure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Reduced kidney ability to concentrate urine is a common physiological change associated with normal aging. This is due to several factors, including:
Decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR): The kidneys filter waste products from the blood. As we age, the number of functioning nephrons (filtering units) in the kidneys decreases, leading to a decline in GFR. This means that the kidneys are less able to filter waste products and concentrate urine.
Decreased renal blood flow: Blood flow to the kidneys also decreases with age. This further reduces the kidneys' ability to filter waste products and concentrate urine.
Decreased tubular function: The tubules in the kidneys are responsible for reabsorbing water and electrolytes from the urine. As we age, the function of the tubules also declines, leading to a decrease in the ability to concentrate urine.
As a result of these changes, older adults often produce more urine, even at night. This can lead to nocturia, which is the need to wake up to urinate two or more times per night.
Choice B rationale:
Lower fluid intake during daytime hours can also contribute to nocturia, but it is not a direct physiological change associated with normal aging. Older adults may drink less fluids during the day for a variety of reasons, such as decreased thirst sensation, fear of incontinence, or limited access to fluids. However, even if they maintain adequate fluid intake during the day, they may still experience nocturia due to the reduced ability of their kidneys to concentrate urine.
Choice C rationale:
Enhanced bladder contractility leading to urinary stasis is not a typical physiological change associated with normal aging. In fact, bladder contractility often decreases with age, which can lead to difficulty emptying the bladder completely. This can contribute to urinary frequency and urgency, but it is not typically a cause of nocturia.
Choice D rationale:
Increased bladder muscle tone leading to frequent urination is also not a typical physiological change associated with normal aging. Bladder muscle tone may decrease with age, which can lead to difficulty emptying the bladder completely. However, it is not typically a cause of nocturia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale for Choice A:
While it's true that a urinalysis can confirm the eradication of bacteria, it's not routinely recommended in uncomplicated UTIs when symptoms have resolved.
Conducting a urinalysis at this point could potentially lead to unnecessary healthcare visits and costs.
It's important to prioritize patient adherence to the full course of antibiotics, as this is the most effective way to prevent recurrence of infection.
Rationale for Choice B:
This response is inaccurate and could discourage the patient from completing the treatment.
It's essential for the nurse to convey that the treatment is likely working, even though the patient is feeling better. Reinforcing the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial for optimal outcomes. Rationale for Choice C:
Stopping the antibiotic prematurely, even if symptoms have improved, can lead to:
Increased risk of recurrent UTI
Development of antibiotic resistance
Prolonged or more severe infections in the future
Completing the full course of antibiotics ensures that all bacteria are eradicated, reducing the likelihood of these complications.
Rationale for Choice D:
This response correctly emphasizes the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics, even when symptoms have resolved.
It addresses the patient's concern while providing accurate and essential information.
Key points to highlight in this response include:
The need to eliminate all bacteria, including those that may not be causing active symptoms
The prevention of antibiotic resistance
The reduction of the risk of recurrent UTIs
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