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?
A Urinary retention
B Urinary incontinence
C Involuntary voiding
D Urinary frequency
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Urinary retention.
Explanation:
Urinary retention is a condition characterized by the inability to completely empty the bladder, even after urination. It is commonly observed in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. In BPH, the prostate gland enlarges and compresses the urethra, which obstructs the normal flow of urine. This obstruction results in difficulty initiating urination, a weak urine stream, and a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.
Understanding Urinary Retention in BPH
In BPH, the prostate gland surrounds the urethra, and as it enlarges, it exerts pressure on the urethra, narrowing it. This narrowing obstructs the flow of urine from the bladder, leading to symptoms associated with urinary retention. The patient may experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Difficulty starting urination: The patient might have trouble initiating the urine stream.
- Weak urine flow: The urine stream may be weak or intermittent.
- Dribbling after urination: The patient might notice that urine continues to dribble after they believe they have finished urinating.
- Incomplete bladder emptying: The patient may feel that their bladder is not fully emptied, which can lead to frequent urination and a persistent urge to void.
Urinary retention can be acute or chronic. Acute urinary retention is a sudden inability to urinate, which is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention. Chronic urinary retention, on the other hand, develops gradually over time and may result in bladder distension and possible kidney damage if left untreated.
Distinguishing from Other Terms
- Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine. It involves the loss of control over urination rather than incomplete bladder emptying.
- Involuntary voiding is not a standard medical term but could imply involuntary urination, which is more closely related to incontinence.
- Urinary frequency refers to the need to urinate more often than usual, which is a different symptom and does not specifically indicate incomplete bladder emptying.
In summary, urinary retention in the context of BPH is characterized by the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying due to obstruction of the urinary flow by an enlarged prostate.