Question

A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has a new diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include to promote elimination?

A: "Drink at least 24 ounces of water each hour."
B: "Void as soon as you feel the urge."
C: "Expect a prescription for a diuretic."
D: "Take an antihistamine each night at bedtime."

Answer 1

The instruction for a client diagnosed with BPH to promote elimination should be to "Void as soon as you feel the urge," which helps prevent bladder overdistension and urinary retention. Excessive water intake, antihistamines, or diuretics are not general advice for managing BPH and could have counterproductive effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct instruction for a client with a new diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to promote elimination would be: "Void as soon as you feel the urge." For individuals diagnosed with BPH, timely voiding is important to prevent bladder overdistension and urinary retention. Frequent voiding helps to minimize the volume of urine that can cause the bladder to stretch and places less pressure on the urethra.

It is not advisable for the client to drink at least 24 ounces of water each hour as excessive fluid intake can lead to increased urinary frequency, potentially exacerbating symptoms of BPH. Antihistamines are not typically used to promote elimination in BPH and can actually worsen urinary retention. While diuretics increase urine output, their prescription would depend on the individual's overall health condition and is not a general advice for managing BPH.