A nurse is caring for a client who has benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The nurse should expect which of the following findings?
Painful urination
Urge incontinence
Critically elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level
Difficulty starting the flow of urine
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A: Painful urination
Painful urination, or dysuria, is not a typical symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH primarily affects the flow of urine due to the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can obstruct the urethra. While BPH can cause discomfort, it does not usually result in painful urination. Painful urination is more commonly associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other conditions affecting the urinary tract.
Choice B: Urge incontinence
Urge incontinence, characterized by a sudden and intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine, can occur in some cases of BPH but is not the most common symptom. BPH typically causes symptoms related to urinary obstruction, such as difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream, and incomplete bladder emptying. Urge incontinence may develop if the bladder becomes overactive due to the obstruction, but it is not a primary symptom.
Choice C: Critically elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level
While an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level can be associated with BPH, it is not a definitive finding. PSA levels can be elevated due to various conditions, including prostate cancer, prostatitis, and BPH. However, a critically elevated PSA level is more concerning for prostate cancer rather than BPH. Therefore, while PSA testing is useful in the evaluation of prostate conditions, it is not specific to BPH.
Choice D: Difficulty starting the flow of urine
Difficulty starting the flow of urine, also known as hesitancy, is a hallmark symptom of BPH. The enlarged prostate gland can compress the urethra, making it difficult for urine to pass through. This can lead to a weak urine stream, straining to urinate, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms are collectively known as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and are commonly associated with BPH.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The ethics committee does not typically handle requests for access to medical records. Their role is more focused on addressing ethical dilemmas and conflicts in patient care, rather than routine administrative tasks like granting access to medical records.
Choice B reason:
Asking the nursing supervisor to obtain the medical records for a family member is not appropriate without the client’s consent. Medical records are confidential and protected under laws such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which require patient authorization for disclosure.
Choice C reason:
The healthcare provider cannot share medical information with a family member without the client’s explicit permission. This is to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the client’s health information.
Choice D reason:
The correct procedure is for the client to provide permission to share their medical records. Under HIPAA, a healthcare provider can only share a patient’s medical information with family members if the patient has given explicit consent. This ensures that the patient’s privacy rights are respected and that their health information is protected.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Check the drainage for glucose:
Clear drainage from the nasal packing after a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. CSF leaks are a serious complication that can occur after this type of surgery. Testing the drainage for glucose is a quick and effective way to determine if the fluid is CSF, as CSF contains glucose, whereas normal nasal secretions do not. Identifying a CSF leak promptly is crucial to prevent further complications such as meningitis.
Choice B reason: Notify the client’s provider:
While notifying the provider is important, it should be done after confirming the nature of the drainage. If the drainage is indeed CSF, the provider needs to be informed immediately. However, the initial step should be to check the drainage for glucose to confirm the suspicion.
Choice C reason: Document the amount of drainage:
Documentation is always important in nursing care, but it is not the immediate priority in this situation. The primary concern is to identify the nature of the drainage to address any potential complications promptly.
Choice D reason: Obtain a culture of the drainage:
Obtaining a culture can help identify any infections, but it is not the first step in this scenario. The immediate concern is to determine if the drainage is CSF, which requires checking for glucose.
