Test plan area: Health Promotion and Maintenance

Difficulty level: Intermediate

The clinical most obvious manifestation of kidney stones is:

Choice A reason: While certain medications can affect bladder control, they are not the primary cause of stress incontinence. Stress incontinence is specifically related to physical exertion and increased pressure on the bladder, leading to involuntary urine leakage.

Choice B reason: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not a direct cause of stress incontinence. Stress incontinence is related to the weakening of pelvic floor muscles and increased intra-abdominal pressure rather than blood pressure levels.

Choice C reason: A full bladder can increase the likelihood of urine leakage in individuals with stress incontinence, but it is not the underlying cause. Stress incontinence occurs due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and increased pressure during physical activities.

Choice D reason: Stress incontinence occurs due to exertional stimuli that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or physical exercise. These activities cause a sudden increase in pressure on the bladder, leading to involuntary urine leakage. The condition is often associated with weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can result from factors such as childbirth, aging, or pelvic surgery.

Choice A reason: Swelling of the feet, or peripheral edema, can be associated with ascites, but it is not a primary measurement used to diagnose ascites. Peripheral edema can occur due to various conditions, including heart failure, kidney disease, and venous insufficiency. It does not specifically indicate the presence of ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Choice B reason: Urine output is an important measure of renal function and fluid balance but is not directly used to diagnose ascites. Changes in urine output can indicate kidney function and fluid status but do not specifically assess fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

Choice C reason: Abdominal girth measurement is a key method used to assess and monitor ascites. Measuring the circumference of the abdomen can help quantify the amount of fluid accumulation. An increase in abdominal girth over time is a strong indicator of ascites and can be used to track the progression or resolution of the condition. This method is simple, non-invasive, and effective in evaluating the severity of ascites.

Choice D reason: Chest circumference is not used to diagnose ascites. While changes in chest circumference can indicate respiratory or thoracic conditions, they do not provide information about fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Ascites is specifically related to the abdomen, and measurements of abdominal girth are more relevant and informative in this context.