Question

Which genitourinary assessment would the nurse observe in a patient who has urethritis?

a. Red edematous meatus with purulent discharge
b. Yellowish discoloration of the toenails
c. Elevated blood pressure with no urinary symptoms
d. Dry and scaly skin on the lower extremities

Answer 1

The nurse would likely observe a red edematous meatus with purulent discharge in a patient with urethritis, indicating inflammation and infection of the urethra.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a patient with urethritis, the genitourinary assessment that a nurse would most likely observe includes characteristic symptoms such as a red edematous meatus with purulent discharge. The other options provided do not reflect common symptoms associated with urethritis. Urethritis is often caused by infections, which can be sexually transmitted, leading to symptoms like dysuria (burning sensation while urinating), discharge, and discomfort. The presence of a red edematous meatus and purulent discharge are indicative of inflammation and infection of the urethra, consistent with urethritis, and particularly with gonococcal urethritis, which is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Nongonococcal urethritis can also cause similar symptoms but is due to different pathogens.