ASSESSMENT
A male patient reports difficulty starting urination and a weak stream. What condition should the nurse suspect?
Prostate enlargement (possible prostate cancer or BPH).
What is the priority intervention for acute urinary retention?
Insert a urinary catheter.
Why is Tamsulosin used in prostate conditions?
Relaxes smooth muscle to improve urine flow.
What is the most common complication of prostate cancer?
Urinary obstruction.
Why should patients avoid straining after prostate surgery?
Prevents bleeding.
What lab test is commonly elevated in prostate cancer?
PSA (prostate-specific antigen).
A patient post-prostate surgery has a continuous bladder irrigation (CBI). What is the priority nursing assessment?
Ensure catheter patency and monitor urine output.
What is the effect of hormone therapy in prostate cancer?
Reduces testosterone to slow tumor growth.
Why is kidney damage a risk in prostate cancer?
Urinary obstruction can lead to backflow and hydronephrosis.
Why should fluid intake be increased postoperatively?
Helps flush the bladder and prevent clots.
A patient reports bone pain with prostate cancer. What does this indicate?
Metastasis to bone.
Why must clots be monitored in patients with CBI?
Clots can obstruct flow and cause bladder distention.
Why might chemotherapy drugs be used in advanced prostate cancer?
To control metastatic disease.
What is erectile dysfunction in prostate cancer patients often caused by?
Nerve damage from surgery or treatment.
Helps flush the bladder and prevent clots.
Tracks disease progression or recurrence.
Why is prostate cancer often detected late?
Early stages are often asymptomatic.
A patient reports bladder spasms after surgery. What is the priority nursing action?
Assess catheter for obstruction.
A patient receiving chemotherapy develops nausea. Which medication is used?
Ondansetron
Why are patients at risk for infection post-surgery?
Catheter use and surgical intervention.
A patient asks why urinary symptoms occur. What is the best explanation?
Enlarged prostate compresses the urethra.
A patient develops urinary retention. What complication is occurring?
Bladder outlet obstruction.
A patient has decreased urine output post-op. What is the FIRST action?
Check catheter for kinks or blockage.
Why are opioids sometimes needed in advanced prostate cancer?
To manage severe cancer-related pain.
A patient develops severe back pain and weakness. What complication is suspected?
Spinal cord compression from metastasis.
A patient reports no urine output but bladder fullness. What is the priority concern?
Urinary retention due to obstruction.