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?

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.

Choice A rationale:
While urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a potential risk with furosemide use, they are not the most immediate or anticipated effect following initiation of the medication.
UTIs can occur due to changes in urinary flow and potential catheter use.
However, furosemide's primary action is to increase urine output, which would not directly lead to a higher risk of UTIs at the onset of treatment.
Choice B rationale:
Concentrated dark urine is typically associated with dehydration or conditions that cause the kidneys to conserve water, such as kidney disease or severe fluid loss.
Furosemide, on the other hand, is a diuretic that promotes water loss through the urine, leading to more dilute urine.
Choice C rationale:
Transient incontinence can occur with furosemide due to the rapid increase in urine production, but it is not the most predictable or anticipated effect.
Increased urine production is expected, but transient incontinence may or may not occur in all patients.
Choice D rationale:
This is the most accurate and anticipated response.
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that works by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the loop of Henle in the kidneys.
This leads to a significant increase in urine output, often within a few hours of administration. The urine produced is typically dilute and light-colored, as it contains a higher concentration of water and electrolytes. This is the intended effect of furosemide, as it helps to reduce fluid overload and edema.