Question

A patient with a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is admitted with acute urinary retention and an elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Which of these prescribed therapies should the nurse implement first?

a. Obtain renal ultrasound.
b. Insert retention catheter.
c. Infuse normal saline at 50 mL/hour.
d. Draw blood for complete blood count.

Answer 1

In a patient with BPH experiencing acute urinary retention and elevated BUN and creatinine levels, the nurse should implement the therapy of inserting a retention catheter first.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a patient with a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who is admitted with acute urinary retention and an elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, the nurse should implement the therapy of inserting a retention catheter first.

Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Inserting a retention catheter will relieve the obstruction and allow for the drainage of urine, relieving the patient's discomfort and preventing further damage to the kidneys.

Obtaining a renal ultrasound, infusing normal saline, and drawing blood for a complete blood count may be appropriate interventions, but they are not the priority in this case.