Male Repro Practice Questions
A 22-yr-old patient tells the nurse at the health clinic that he has recently had some problems with erectile dysfunction. Which question should the nurse ask to assess for possible etiologic factors in this age group? a. "Do you use recreational drugs or drink alcohol?" b. "Do you experience an unusual amount of stress?" c. "Do you have cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease?" d. "Do you have a history of an erection that lasted for 6 hours or more?"
ANS: A A common etiologic factor for erectile dysfunction (ED) in younger men is use of recreational drugs or alcohol. Stress, priapism, and cardiovascular illness also contribute to ED, but they are not common etiologic factors in younger men.
The nurse is caring for a 62-yr-old man after a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Which instructions should the nurse include in the teaching plan? a. Avoid straining during defecation. b. Restrict fluids to prevent incontinence. c. Sexual functioning will not be affected. d. Prostate examinations are not needed after surgery.
ANS: A Activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as sitting or walking for prolonged periods and straining to have a bowel movement (Valsalva maneuver), should be avoided in the postoperative recovery period to prevent a postoperative hemorrhage. Instruct the patient to drink at least 2 L of fluid every day. Digital rectal examinations should be performed yearly. The prostate gland is not totally removed and may enlarge after a TURP. Sexual functioning may change after prostate surgery. Changes may include retrograde ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and decreased orgasmic sensation.
A 70-yr-old patient who has had a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is being discharged from the hospital today. Which patient statement indicates a need for the nurse to provide additional instruction? a. "I should call the doctor if I have incontinence at home." b. "I will avoid driving until I get approval from my doctor." c. "I should schedule yearly appointments for prostate examinations." d. "I will increase fiber and fluids in my diet to prevent constipation."
ANS: A Because incontinence is common for several weeks after a TURP, the patient does not need to call the health care provider if this occurs. The other patient statements indicate that the patient has a good understanding of post-TURP instructions.
When performing discharge teaching for a patient after a vasectomy, the nurse instructs the patient that he a. should continue to use other methods of birth control for 6 weeks. b. should not have sexual intercourse until his 6-week follow-up visit. c. may have temporary erectile dysfunction (ED) because of swelling. d. will notice a decrease in the appearance and volume of his ejaculate.
ANS: A Because it takes about 6 weeks to evacuate sperm that are distal to the vasectomy site, the patient should use contraception for 6 weeks. ED that occurs after vasectomy is psychologic in origin and not related to postoperative swelling. The patient does not need to abstain from intercourse. The appearance and volume of the ejaculate are not changed because sperm are a minor component of the ejaculate.
A patient with urinary obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tells the nurse, "My symptoms are much worse this week." Which response by the nurse is appropriate? a. "Have you taken any over-the-counter (OTC) medications recently?" b. "I will talk to the doctor about a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test." c. "Have you talked to the doctor about surgery such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?" d. "The prostate gland changes in size from day to day, and this may be making your symptoms worse."
ANS: A Because the patient's increase in symptoms has occurred abruptly, the nurse should ask about OTC medications that might cause contraction of the smooth muscle in the prostate and worsen obstruction. The prostate gland does not vary in size from day to day. A TURP may be needed, but more assessment about possible reasons for the sudden symptom change is a more appropriate first response by the nurse. PSA testing is done to differentiate BPH from prostatic cancer.
The nurse will inform a patient with cancer of the prostate that side effects of leuprolide (Lupron) may include a. flushing. b. dizziness. c. infection. d. incontinence.
ANS: A Hot flashes may occur with decreased testosterone production. Dizziness may occur with the -blockers used for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urinary incontinence may occur after prostate surgery, but it is not an expected side effect of medication. Risk for infection is increased in patients receiving chemotherapy.
The nurse will plan to teach a 67-yr-old patient who has been diagnosed with orchitis about a. pain management. b. emergency surgery. c. application of heat to the scrotum. d. aspiration of fluid from the scrotal sac.
ANS: A Orchitis is very painful, and effective pain management will be needed. Heat, aspiration, and surgery are not used to treat orchitis.
The nurse is teaching clinic patients about risk factors for testicular cancer. Which individual is at highest risk for developing testicular cancer? a. A 30-yr-old white man with a history of cryptorchidism b. A 48-yr-old African American man with erectile dysfunction c. A 19-yr-old Asian man who had surgery for testicular torsion d. A 28-yr-old Hispanic man with infertility caused by a varicocele
ANS: A The incidence of testicular cancer is four times higher in white men than in African American men. Testicular tumors are also more common in men who have had undescended testes (cryptorchidism) or a family history of testicular cancer or anomalies. Other predisposing factors include orchitis, human immunodeficiency virus infection, maternal exposure to exogenous estrogen, and testicular cancer in the contralateral testis.
A 71-yr-old patient with a diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been scheduled for a contact laser technique. What is the primary goal of this intervention? a. Resumption of normal urinary drainage b. Maintenance of normal sexual functioning c. Prevention of acute or chronic renal failure d. Prevention of fluid and electrolyte imbalances
ANS: A The most significant signs and symptoms of BPH relate to the disruption of normal urinary drainage and consequent urine retention, incontinence, and pain. A laser technique vaporizes prostate tissue and cauterizes blood vessels and is used as an effective alternative to a TURP to resolve these problems. Fluid imbalances, impaired sexual functioning, and kidney disease may result from uncontrolled BPH, but the central focus remains urinary drainage.
Several patients call the urology clinic requesting appointments with the health care provider as soon as possible. Which patient will the nurse schedule to be seen first? a. A 22-yr-old patient who has noticed a firm, nontender lump on his scrotum b. A 35-yr-old patient who is concerned that his scrotum "feels like a bag of worms" c. A 40-yr-old patient who has pelvic pain while being treated for chronic prostatitis d. A 70-yr-old patient who is reporting frequent urinary dribbling after a prostatectomy
ANS: A The patient's age and symptoms suggest possible testicular cancer. Some forms of testicular cancer can be very aggressive, so the patient should be evaluated by the health care provider as soon as possible. Varicoceles do require treatment but not emergently. Ongoing pelvic pain is common with chronic prostatitis. Urinary dribbling is a common problem after prostatectomy.
The following male patients recently arrived in the emergency department. Which one should the nurse assess first? a. A 19-yr-old patient who is complaining of severe scrotal pain b. A 60-yr-old patient with a nontender ulceration of the glans penis c. A 64-yr-old patient who has dysuria after brachytherapy for prostate cancer d. A 22-yr-old patient who has purulent urethral drainage and severe back pain
ANS: A The patient's age and symptoms suggest possible testicular torsion, which will require rapid treatment to prevent testicular necrosis. The other patients also require assessment by the nurse, but their history and symptoms indicate nonemergent problems (acute prostatitis, cancer of the penis, and radiation-associated urinary tract irritation).
A 33-yr-old patient noticed a painless lump and heaviness in his scrotum during testicular self-examination. The nurse should provide the patient information on which diagnostic test? a. Ultrasound b. Cremasteric reflex c. Doppler ultrasound d. Transillumination with a flashlight
ANS: A When the scrotum has a painless lump, scrotal swelling, and a feeling of heaviness, testicular cancer is suspected, and an ultrasound of the testes is indicated. Blood tests will also be done. The cremasteric reflex and Doppler ultrasound are done to diagnose testicular torsion. Transillumination with a flashlight is done to diagnose a hydrocele.
The health care provider prescribes finasteride (Proscar) for a patient who has benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). When teaching the patient about the drug, the nurse informs him that a. he should change position from lying to standing slowly to avoid dizziness. b. his interest in sexual activity may decrease while he is taking the medication. c. improvement in the obstructive symptoms should occur within about 2 weeks. d. he will need to monitor his blood pressure frequently to assess for hypertension.
ANS: B A decrease in libido is a side effect of finasteride because of the androgen suppression that occurs with the drug. Although orthostatic hypotension may occur if the patient is also taking a medication for erectile dysfunction, it should not occur with finasteride alone. Improvement in symptoms of obstruction takes about 6 months. The medication does not cause hypertension.
A male patient complains of fever, dysuria, and cloudy urine. What additional information may indicate that these manifestations may be something other than a urinary tract infection (UTI)? a. E. coli bacteria in his urine b. A very tender prostate gland c. Complaints of chills and rectal pain d. Complaints of urgency and frequency
ANS: B A tender and swollen prostate is indicative of prostatitis, which is a more serious male reproductive problem because an acute episode can result in chronic prostatitis and lead to epididymitis or cystitis. E. coli in his urine, chills and rectal pain, and urgency and frequency are all present with a UTI and not specifically indicative of prostatitis.
A 58-yr-old patient with erectile dysfunction (ED) tells the nurse he is interested in using sildenafil (Viagra). Which action should the nurse take first? a. Assure the patient that ED is common with aging. b. Ask the patient about any prescription drugs he is taking. c. Tell the patient that Viagra does not always work for ED. d. Discuss the common adverse effects of erectogenic drugs.
ANS: B Because some medications can cause ED and patients using nitrates should not take sildenafil, the nurse should first assess for prescription drug use. The nurse may want to teach the patient about realistic expectations and adverse effects of sildenafil therapy, but this should not be the first action. Although ED does increase with aging, it may be secondary to medication use or cardiovascular disease.
After a vasectomy, what instruction should be included in discharge teaching? a. "Some secondary sexual characteristics may be lost after the surgery." b. "Use an alternative form of contraception until your semen is sperm free." c. "Erectile dysfunction may be present for several months after this surgery." d. "You will be uncomfortable, but you may safely have sexual intercourse today."
ANS: B Because vasectomies are usually done for sterilization purposes, to safely have sexual intercourse, the patient will need to use an alternative form of contraception until semen examination reveals no sperm. Hormones are not affected, so there is no loss of secondary sexual characteristics or erectile function. Most men experience too much pain to have sexual intercourse on the day of their surgery, so this is not an appropriate comment by the nurse.
A 73-yr-old male patient admitted for total knee replacement states during the health history interview that he has no problems with urinary elimination except that the "stream is less than it used to be." The nurse should give anticipatory guidance regarding what condition? a. A tumor of the prostate b. Benign prostatic hyperplasia c. Bladder atony because of age d. Age-related altered innervation of the bladder
ANS: B Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlarged prostate gland because of an increased number of epithelial cells and stromal tissue. It occurs in about 50% of men older than age 50 years and 80% of men older than age 80 years. Only about 16% of men develop prostate cancer. Bladder atony and age-related altered innervations of the bladder do not lead to a weakened stream.
The nurse in a health clinic receives requests for appointments from several patients. Which patient should be seen by the health care provider first? a. A 48-yr-old patient who has perineal pain and a temperature of 100.4° F b. A 58-yr-old patient who has a painful erection that has lasted more than 6 hours c. A 38-yr-old patient who reports that he had difficulty maintaining an erection twice last week d. A 68-yr-old patient who has pink urine after a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) 3 days ago
ANS: B Priapism can cause complications such as necrosis or hydronephrosis, and this patient should be treated immediately. The other patients do not require immediate action to prevent serious complications.
The nurse in the clinic notes elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in the laboratory results of these patients. Which patient's PSA result is not expected to be elevated? a. A 38-yr-old patient who is being treated for acute prostatitis b. A 48-yr-old patient whose father died of metastatic prostate cancer c. A 52-yr-old patient who goes on long bicycle rides every weekend d. A 75-yr-old patient who uses saw palmetto to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
ANS: B The family history of prostate cancer and elevation of PSA indicate that further evaluation of the patient for prostate cancer is needed. Elevations in PSA for the other patients are not unusual.
A 27-yr-old patient who has testicular cancer is being admitted for a unilateral orchiectomy. The patient does not talk to his wife and speaks to the nurse only to answer the admission questions. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to take? a. Teach the patient and the wife that impotence is unlikely after unilateral orchiectomy. b. Ask the patient if he has any questions or concerns about the diagnosis and treatment. c. Inform the patient's wife that concerns about sexual function are common with this diagnosis. d. Document the patient's lack of communication on the health record and continue preoperative care.
ANS: B The initial action by the nurse should be assessment for any anxiety or questions about the surgery or postoperative care. The nurse should address the patient, not the spouse, when discussing the diagnosis and any possible concerns. Without further assessment of patient concerns, the nurse should not offer teaching about complications after orchiectomy. Documentation of the patient's lack of interaction is not an adequate nursing action in this situation.
A patient who has benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with urinary retention is admitted to the hospital with elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Which prescribed therapy should the nurse implement first? a. Infuse normal saline at 50 mL/hr. b. Insert a urinary retention catheter. c. Draw blood for a complete blood count. d. Schedule pelvic magnetic resonance imaging
ANS: B The patient data indicate that the patient may have acute kidney injury caused by the BPH. The initial therapy will be to insert a catheter. The other actions are also appropriate, but they can be implemented after the acute urinary retention is resolved.
A patient tells the nurse that he decided to seek treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) because his wife "is losing patience with the situation." The nurse's follow-up questions should focus on the man's identified concern with a. low self-esteem. b. role performance. c. increased anxiety. d. infrequent intercourse.
ANS: B The patient's statement indicates that the relationship with his wife is his primary concern. Although anxiety, low self-esteem, and ineffective sexuality patterns may also be concerns, the patient information suggests that addressing the role performance problem will lead to the best outcome for this patient.
Which information will the nurse plan to include when teaching a young adult who has a family history of testicular cancer about testicular self-examination? a. Testicular self-examination should be done at least weekly. b. Testicular self-examination should be done in a warm room. c. The only structure normally felt in the scrotal sac is the testis. d. Call the health care provider if one testis is larger than the other.
ANS: B The testes will hang lower in the scrotum when the temperature is warm (e.g., during a shower), and it will be easier to palpate. The epididymis is also normally palpable in the scrotum. One testis is normally larger. Men at high risk should perform testicular self-examination monthly.
When caring for a patient with continuous bladder irrigation after having transurethral resection of the prostate, which action could the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? a. Teach the patient how to perform Kegel exercises. b. Report any complaints of pain or spasms to the nurse. c. Monitor for increases in bleeding or presence of clots. d. Increase the flow rate of the irrigation if clots are noted.
ANS: B UAP education and role includes reporting patient concerns to supervising nurses. Patient teaching, assessments for complications, and actions such as bladder irrigation require more education and should be done by licensed nursing staff.
A 53-yr-old patient is scheduled for an annual physical examination. The nurse will plan to teach the patient about the purpose of a. urinalysis collection. b. uroflowmetry studies. c. prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing. d. transrectal ultrasound scanning (TRUS).
ANS: C An annual digital rectal exam (DRE) and PSA are usually recommended starting at age 50 years for men who have an average risk for prostate cancer. Urinalysis and uroflowmetry studies are done if patients have symptoms of urinary tract infection or changes in the urinary stream. TRUS may be ordered if the DRE or PSA results are abnormal.
The nurse coordinates postoperative care for a 70-yr-old man with osteoarthritis after prostate surgery. Which task is appropriate for the nurse to delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) (select all that apply.)? a. Clean around the catheter daily. b. Increase flow of irrigation solution. c. Teach the patient how to perform Kegel exercises. d. Provide instructions to the patient on catheter care. e. Administer oxybutynin (Ditropan) for bladder spasms. f. Manually irrigate the urinary catheter to restore catheter flow.
ANS: B,E The nurse may delegate the following to an LPN/LVN: monitor catheter drainage for increased blood or clots, increase flow of irrigating solution to maintain light pink color in outflow, and administer antispasmodics and analgesics as needed. The UAP will clean around the catheter daily. A registered nurse may not delegate teaching, assessments, or clinical judgments to a LPN/LVN.
A patient is one day postoperative after a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Which event is an unexpected finding? a. Requires two tablets of Tylenol #3 during the night b. Complains of fatigue and claims to have minimal appetite c. Continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) infusing, but output has decreased d. Expressed anxiety about his planned discharge home the following day
ANS: C A decrease or cessation of output in a patient with CBI requires immediate intervention. The nurse should temporarily stop the CBI and attempt to resume output by repositioning the patient or irrigating the catheter. Complaints of pain, fatigue, and low appetite at this early postoperative stage are not unexpected. Discharge planning should be addressed, but this should not precede management of the patient's CBI.
The nurse teaches a 30-yr-old man with a family history of prostate cancer about dietary factors associated with prostate cancer. The nurse determines that teaching is successful if the patient selects which menu? a. Grilled steak, French fries, and vanilla shake b. Hamburger with cheese, pudding, and coffee c. Baked chicken, peas, apple slices, and skim milk d. Grilled cheese sandwich, onion rings, and hot tea
ANS: C A diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy products along with a low intake of vegetables and fruits may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Which task can the nurse delegate to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in the care of a patient who has recently undergone prostatectomy? a. Assessing the patient's incision b. Irrigating the patient's urinary catheter c. Reporting complaints of pain or bladder spasms d. Evaluating the patient's pain and selecting analgesia
ANS: C Cleaning around the catheter, recording intake and output, and reporting complaint of pain or bladder spasms to the registered nurse are appropriate tasks for delegation to the UAP. Selecting analgesia, irrigating the patient's catheter, and assessing the incision are not appropriate skills or tasks for unlicensed personnel.
The nurse taking a focused health history for a patient with possible testicular cancer will ask the patient about a history of a. testicular torsion. b. testicular trauma. c. undescended testicles. d. sexually transmitted infection (STI).
ANS: C Cryptorchidism is a risk factor for testicular cancer if it is not corrected before puberty. STI, testicular torsion, and testicular trauma are risk factors for other testicular conditions but not for testicular cancer.
To monitor the progression of decreased urinary stream, the nurse should encourage which type of regular screening? a. Uroflowmetry b. Transrectal ultrasound c. Digital rectal examination (DRE) d. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) monitoring
ANS: C DRE is part of a regular physical examination and is a primary means of assessing symptoms of decreased urinary stream, which is often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men older than 50 years of age. The uroflowmetry helps determine the extent of urethral blockage and the type of treatment needed but is not done on a regular basis. Transrectal ultrasound is indicated with an abnormal DRE and elevated PSA to differentiate between BPH and prostate cancer. The PSA monitoring is done to rule out prostate cancer, although levels may be slightly elevated in patients with BPH.
A patient who has been recently diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tells the nurse that he does not want to have a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) because it might affect his ability to have sexual intercourse. Which action should the nurse take? a. Discuss alternative methods of sexual expression. b. Teach about medication for erectile dysfunction (ED). c. Clarify that TURP does not commonly affect erection. d. Offer reassurance that fertility is not affected by TURP.
ANS: C ED is not a concern with TURP, although retrograde ejaculation is likely, and the nurse should discuss this with the patient. Erectile function is not usually affected by a TURP, so the patient will not need information about penile implants or reassurance that other forms of sexual expression may be used. Because the patient has not asked about fertility, reassurance about sperm production does not address his concerns.
Which information will the nurse teach a patient who has chronic prostatitis? a. Ibuprofen (Motrin) should provide good pain control. b. Prescribed antibiotics should be taken for 7 to 10 days. c. Intercourse or masturbation will help relieve symptoms. d. Cold packs used every 4 hours will decrease inflammation.
ANS: C Ejaculation helps drain the prostate and relieve pain. Warm baths are recommended to reduce pain. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed but usually do not offer adequate pain relief. Antibiotics for chronic prostatitis are taken for 4 to 12 weeks.
Which action by the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who are assisting with the care of male patients with reproductive problems indicates that the nurse should provide more teaching? a. The UAP apply a cold pack to the scrotum for a patient with mumps orchitis. b. The UAP help a patient who has had a prostatectomy to put on antiembolism hose. c. The UAP leave the foreskin pulled back after cleaning the glans of a patient who has a retention catheter. d. The UAP encourage a high oral fluid intake for patient who had transurethral resection of the prostate yesterday.
ANS: C Paraphimosis can be caused by failing to replace the foreskin back over the glans after cleaning. The other actions by UAP are appropriate.
A hospitalized older patient reports his foreskin is retracted and will not return to normal. Which action is the priority? a. Start antibiotics. b. Apply ice to reduce swelling. c. Attempt to move the foreskin over the glans. d. Call the physician to prepare for circumcision.
ANS: C Paraphimosis can occur when the foreskin is pulled back during bathing, during catheter insertion, or after intercourse and not returned to the normal position. Attempting to return the foreskin over glans is the priority action. If the nurse is unsuccessful, then ice would be applied to decrease swelling. If the foreskin is not returned to the normal position manually by the health care provider, then circumcision would be indicated. Paraphimosis is considered a urologic emergency because arterial blood flow to the glans penis is impaired.
To determine the severity of the symptoms for a patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the nurse will ask the patient about a. blood in the urine. b. lower back or hip pain. c. force of urinary stream. d. erectile dysfunction (ED).
ANS: C The American Urological Association Symptom Index for a patient with BPH asks questions about the force and frequency of urination, nocturia, and so on. Blood in the urine, ED, and back or hip pain are not typical symptoms of BPH.
The patient has a history of cardiovascular disease and has developed erectile dysfunction. He is frustrated because he is taking nitrates and cannot take erectogenic medications. What should the nurse do first? a. Give the patient choices for penile implant surgery. b. Recommend counseling for the patient and his partner. c. Obtain a thorough sexual, health, and psychosocial history. d. Assess levels of testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and thyroid hormones.
ANS: C The nurse's first action to help this patient is to obtain a thorough sexual, health, and psychosocial history. Alternative treatments for the cardiac disease would then be explored if that had not already been done. Further examination or diagnostic testing would be based on the history and physical assessment, including hormone levels, counseling, or penile implant options.
The plan of care for a patient immediately after a perineal radical prostatectomy will include decreasing the risk for infection related to a. urinary incontinence. b. prolonged urinary stasis. c. fecal wound contamination. d. suprapubic catheter placement.
ANS: C The perineal approach increases the risk for infection because the incision is located close to the anus, and contamination with feces is possible. Urinary stasis and incontinence do not occur because the patient has a retention catheter in place for 1 to 2 weeks. A urethral catheter is used after the surgery.
The patient has a low-grade carcinoma on the left lateral aspect of the prostate gland and has been on "watchful waiting" status for 5 years. Six months ago, his last prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 5 ng/mL. Which manifestations indicate prostate cancer may be extending and require a change in the plan of care (select all that apply.)? a. Casts in his urine b. Presence of α-fetoprotein c. Serum PSA level 10 ng/mL d. Onset of erectile dysfunction e. Nodularity of the prostate gland f. Development of a urinary tract infection
ANS: C,E The manifestations of increased PSA level along with the new nodularity of the prostate gland potentially indicate that the tumor may be growing. Casts in the urine, presence of α-fetoprotein, and new onset of erectile dysfunction do not indicate prostate cancer growth. Development of a urinary tract infection may indicate urinary retention or could be related to other issues.
The health care provider prescribes the following interventions for a patient with acute prostatitis caused by Escherichia coli. Which intervention should the nurse question? a. Give trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 1 tablet daily for 28 days. b. Administer ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain. c. Instruct patient to avoid sexual intercourse until treatment is complete. d. Catheterize the patient as needed if symptoms of urinary retention develop.
ANS: D Although acute urinary retention may occur, insertion of a catheter through an inflamed urethra is contraindicated, and the nurse will anticipate that the health care provider will need to insert a suprapubic catheter. The other actions are appropriate.
The nurse will anticipate that a 61-yr-old patient who has an enlarged prostate detected by digital rectal examination (DRE) and an elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) level will need teaching about a. cystourethroscopy. b. uroflowmetry studies. c. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). d. transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS).
ANS: D In a patient with an abnormal DRE and elevated PSA, transrectal ultrasound is used to visualize the prostate for biopsy. Uroflowmetry studies help determine the extent of urine blockage and treatment, but there is no indication that this is a problem for this patient. Cystoscopy may be used before prostatectomy but will not be done until after the TRUS and biopsy. MRI is used to determine whether prostatic cancer has metastasized but would not be ordered at this stage of the diagnostic process.
A patient who has been diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer chooses the option of active surveillance. The nurse will plan to a. vaccinate the patient with sipuleucel-T (Provenge). b. provide the patient with information about cryotherapy. c. teach the patient about placement of intraurethral stents. d. schedule the patient for annual prostate-specific antigen testing.
ANS: D Patients who opt for active surveillance need to have annual digital rectal examinations and prostate-specific antigen testing. Vaccination with sipuleucel-T, cryotherapy, and stent placement are options for patients who choose to have active treatment for prostate cancer.
After a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), a 64-yr-old patient with continuous bladder irrigation complains of painful bladder spasms. The nurse observes clots in the urine. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Increase the flow rate of the bladder irrigation. b. Administer the prescribed IV morphine sulfate. c. Give the patient the prescribed belladonna and opium suppository. d. Manually instill and then withdraw 50 mL of saline into the catheter.
ANS: D The assessment suggests that obstruction by a clot is causing the bladder spasms, and the nurse's first action should be to irrigate the catheter manually and to try to remove the clots. IV morphine will not decrease the spasm, although pain may be reduced. Increasing the flow rate of the irrigation will further distend the bladder and may increase spasms. The belladonna and opium suppository will decrease bladder spasms but will not remove the obstructing blood clot.
Which assessment information collected by the nurse may present a contraindication to a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)? a. The patient has noticed a decrease in energy level for a few years. b. The patient's symptoms have increased steadily over the past few years. c. The patient has been using sildenafil (Viagra) several times every week. d. The patient has had a gradual decrease in the force of his urinary stream.
ANS: D The decrease in urinary stream may indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer, which are contraindications to the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). The other patient data indicate that TRT may be a helpful therapy for the patient.
Which information about continuous bladder irrigation will the nurse teach to a patient who is being admitted for a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)? a. Bladder irrigation decreases the risk of postoperative bleeding. b. Hydration and urine output are maintained by bladder irrigation. c. Antibiotics are infused continuously through the bladder irrigation. d. Bladder irrigation prevents obstruction of the catheter after surgery.
ANS: D The purpose of bladder irrigation is to remove clots from the bladder and prevent obstruction of the catheter by clots. The irrigation does not decrease bleeding or improve hydration. Antibiotics are given by the IV route, not through the bladder irrigation.