Question

A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has prostate cancer. The client asks the nurse why they are having difficulty with urination. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Options:
a. "It's a normal part of aging."
b. "You may have an enlarged prostate, which is pressing on your urethra."
c. "You're not drinking enough water."
d. "It's a side effect of the pain medication you're taking."

Answer 1

The difficulty with urination experienced by the client with prostate cancer is likely due to the enlargement of the prostate gland pressing on the urethra, a condition common in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and in prostate cancer itself.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client who has prostate cancer is experiencing difficulty urinating due to the enlargement of the prostate gland, which may be pressing on the urethra. This condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and it's common as men age, resulting in lower urinary tract symptoms. Prostate cancer itself can also cause difficulties with urination, as the tumor may obstruct the urethra similarly to BPH. These symptoms may include a frequent and intense urge to urinate, a weak urine stream, and a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urination.

In the specific case of prostate cancer, it's crucial to differentiate the symptoms from normal ageing or other causes like inadequate fluid intake or side effects from medication. Prostate cancer symptoms can include frequent urination, difficulty in starting and maintaining a steady stream of urine, blood in the urine, and painful urination. When assessing a patient with prostate cancer, it is important to consider these possible causes to provide accurate education and treatment planning. For this patient, the most likely explanation for the difficulty with urination would be the enlargement of the prostate due to the cancer.