What question would be most important to ask a male client who is in for a digital rectal examination?
A. “Have you noticed a change in the force of the urinary system?”
B. “Have you noticed a change in tolerance of certain foods in your diet?”
C. “Do you notice polyuria in the AM?”
D. “Do you notice any burning with urination or any odor to the urine?”
Correct Answer: A. “Have you noticed a change in the force of the urinary system?”
This change would be most indicative of a potential complication with (BPH) benign prostate hypertrophy. The goals of the evaluation of such men are to identify the patient’s voiding or, more appropriately, urinary tract problems, both symptomatic and physiologic; to establish the etiologic role of BPH in these problems.
Option B: Food intolerances are more common in those with digestive system disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to the IBS network, most people with IBS have food intolerances. The symptoms of food intolerances can also mimic the symptoms of chronic digestive conditions, such as IBS. However, certain patterns in the symptoms can help a doctor distinguish between the two.
Option C: History can often distinguish polyuria from frequency, but rarely a 24-hour urine collection may be needed. Polyuria caused by solute diuresis is suggested by a history of diabetes mellitus. Abrupt onset of polyuria at a precise time suggests central diabetes insipidus, as does preference for extremely cold or iced water.
Option D: Dysuria is a symptom of pain and/or burning, stinging, or itching of the urethra or urethral meatus with urination. It is one of the most common symptoms experienced by most people at least once over their lifetimes. Primarily, causes of dysuria can be divided broadly into two categories, infectious and non-infectious.