What is the symptom called when a male patient, diagnosed with an enlarged prostate (BPH/benign prostatic hyperplasia), reports not completely emptying his bladder when he voids?
Urinary retention
Urinary incontinence
Involuntary voiding
Urinary frequency
The Correct Answer is A
Urinary retention is the inability to completely empty the bladder. It is a common symptom of BPH, as the enlarged prostate can press on the urethra and obstruct the flow of urine. This can lead to several characteristic symptoms, including:
Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying: Patients often feel as though they haven't fully emptied their bladder, even after urinating.
Straining to urinate: It may take extra effort to initiate and maintain a urine stream.
Weak urine stream: The force of the urine stream may be noticeably reduced.
Intermittent urine stream: The flow of urine may start and stop repeatedly.
Post-void dribbling: Urine may continue to drip after urination has seemingly ended.
Urinary frequency: The need to urinate frequently, often at night (nocturia).
Urgency: A sudden, compelling need to urinate that may be difficult to postpone.
Bladder pain or discomfort: Pressure or pain in the lower abdomen, often associated with a full bladder. Pathophysiology:
Bladder outlet obstruction: The enlarged prostate physically compresses the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This obstruction makes it difficult for urine to flow freely, leading to incomplete bladder emptying.
Detrusor muscle dysfunction: The detrusor muscle, which forms the bladder wall, may become weakened or overactive due to the constant strain of trying to empty against resistance. This can further impair bladder emptying.
Neurological factors: In some cases, nerve damage or dysfunction may contribute to urinary retention, particularly in men with diabetes or neurological conditions.
Additional insights:
Chronic urinary retention can result in serious complications, such as bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and kidney damage.
Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency that requires immediate catheterization to relieve the bladder and prevent further complications.
Treatment for urinary retention typically involves medications to relax the prostate and bladder muscles, as well as lifestyle modifications such as limiting fluid intake before bedtime. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to reduce the size of the prostate or widen the urethra.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Pale, yellow urine: While pale yellow urine can be a symptom of a UTI, it is not specific enough and can be caused by other factors like dehydration or certain medications. Therefore, it is not a reliable indicator of a UTI in this case.
B. Cloudy urine: Cloudy urine is a more specific symptom of a UTI, as it can indicate the presence of white blood cells or bacteria in the urine. This finding, along with other symptoms, suggests a possible UTI.
C. Suprapubic pain: Suprapubic pain, which is pain felt above the pubic bone in the lower abdomen, is a common symptom of bladder infections, including UTIs. This finding is highly suggestive of a UTI in this client.
D. Temperature of 38.2 C (100.7 F): Although fever can be a symptom of a UTI, it is not always present and can be caused by other infections or conditions. Therefore, a single elevated temperature, without other supporting symptoms, is not conclusive for a UTI diagnosis.
E. Constant urge to urinate (dysuria): Dysuria, or a frequent and urgent need to urinate, is another common symptom of UTIs. This finding, along with cloudy urine and suprapubic pain, further strengthens the suspicion of a UTI in this client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sterile dressing changes each morning are not directly related to the finding in question. While maintaining sterile dressings is important for postoperative wound care, it's not the primary intervention based on the specific finding you've presented. I'll need more information about the finding to determine the most appropriate rationale for this choice.
Choice B rationale:
Administering pain medications as needed is a common postoperative intervention, but it's not always the most crucial one depending on the patient's condition and the specific finding. It's important to assess the patient's pain level and administer medications accordingly, but pain management shouldn't overshadow other essential interventions.
Choice C rationale:
Conducting a head-to-toe assessment each shift is a comprehensive assessment, but it may not be necessary for every postoperative patient in every situation. The frequency and extent of assessments should be tailored to the patient's individual needs and the specific findings.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring respirations and breath sounds is often the most critical postoperative intervention, as it allows for early detection of respiratory complications such as pneumonia, atelectasis, or pulmonary embolism. These complications can be life threatening, so prompt identification and intervention are essential.
Specific reasons why monitoring respirations and breath sounds is essential based on the finding (which you haven't provided) could include:
Evidence of respiratory distress or compromise
Changes in breathing patterns or sounds
Decreased oxygen saturation levels
Increased work of breathing
Risk factors for respiratory complications (e.g., type of surgery, underlying lung disease)
I'm ready to provide a more comprehensive rationale for each choice once you share the specific finding that prompted this question.
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