Chapter 54: Male Reproductive Problems

Question 1

What will the nurse will ask the patient about to determine the severity of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms?

a. Blood in the urine
b. Lower back or hip pain
c. Force of urinary stream
d. Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Answer 1

ANS: C
The American Urological Association Symptom Index for a patient with BPH asks questions such as the force and frequency of urination and nocturia. Blood in the urine, ED, and back or hip pain are not typical symptoms of BPH.

Question 2

A patient who was recently diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tells the nurse that he does not want to have a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) because it might affect his ability to have sexual intercourse. Which action should the nurse take?

a. Discuss alternative methods of sexual expression.
b. Teach about medication for erectile dysfunction (ED).
c. Clarify that TURP does not commonly affect erection.
d. Offer reassurance that fertility is not affected by TURP.

Answer 2

ANS: C
ED is not a concern with TURP, although retrograde ejaculation is likely, and the nurse should discuss this with the patient. Erectile function is not usually affected by a TURP, so the patient will not need information about penile implants or reassurance that other forms of sexual expression may be used. Because the patient has not asked about fertility, reassurance about fertility does not address his concerns.

Question 3

The health care provider prescribes finasteride (Proscar) for a patient who has benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). What information should the nurse provide when teaching the patient about the drug?

a. He should change position from lying to standing slowly to avoid dizziness.
b. His interest in sexual activity may decrease while he is taking the medication.
c. Improvement in the obstructive symptoms should occur within about 2 weeks.
d. He will need to monitor his blood pressure frequently to assess for hypertension.

Answer 3

ANS: B
A decrease in libido is a side effect of finasteride because of the androgen suppression that occurs with the drug. Although orthostatic hypotension may occur if the patient is also taking a medication for erectile dysfunction, it should not occur with finasteride alone. Improvement in symptoms of obstruction takes about 6 months. The medication does not cause hypertension

Question 4

What test will the nurse plan to explain to a 61-yr-old patient who has an enlarged prostate detected by digital rectal examination (DRE) and an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level?

a. Cystourethroscopy
b. Uroflowmetry studies
c. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
d. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)

Answer 4

ANS: D
In a patient with an abnormal DRE and elevated PSA, transrectal ultrasound is used to visualize the prostate for biopsy. Uroflowmetry studies help determine the extent of urine blockage and treatment, but there is no indication that this is a problem for this patient. Cystoscopy may be used before prostatectomy but will not be done until after the TRUS and biopsy. MRI is used to determine whether prostatic cancer has metastasized but would not be ordered at this stage of the diagnostic process.

Question 5

Which information about continuous bladder irrigation will the nurse teach to a patient who is being admitted for a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?

a. Bladder irrigation decreases the risk of postoperative bleeding.
b. Hydration and urine output are maintained by bladder irrigation.
c. Antibiotics are infused continuously through the bladder irrigation.
d. Bladder irrigation prevents obstruction of the catheter after surgery.

Answer 5

ANS: D
The purpose of bladder irrigation is to remove clots from the bladder and prevent obstruction of the catheter by clots. The irrigation does not decrease bleeding or improve hydration. Antibiotics are given by the IV route, not through the bladder irrigation.

Question 6

What information will the nurse plan to teach the patient scheduled for photovaporization of the prostate (PVP)?

a. Care of an indwelling urinary catheter.
b. Urine will appear bloody for several days.
c. Symptom improvement takes 2 to 3 weeks.
d. Complications associated with urethral stenting.

Answer 6

ANS: A
The patient will have an indwelling catheter for 24 to 48 hours and will need teaching about catheter care. There is minimal bleeding with this procedure. Symptom improvement is almost immediate after PVP. Stent placement is not part of the procedure.

Question 7

A 53-yr-old patient is scheduled for an annual physical examination. What diagnostic test will the nurse will plan to explain to the patient?

a. Urinalysis collection
b. Uroflowmetry studies
c. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
d. Transrectal ultrasound scanning (TRUS)

Answer 7

ANS: C
An annual digital rectal exam (DRE) and PSA are usually recommended starting at age 50 years for men who have an average risk for prostate cancer. Urinalysis and uroflowmetry studies are done if patients have symptoms of urinary tract infection or changes in the urinary stream. TRUS may be ordered if the DRE or PSA results are abnormal.

Question 8

What potential cause of infection will the nurse consider in the plan of care for a patient immediately after a perineal radical prostatectomy?

a. Urinary incontinence
b. Prolonged urinary stasis
c. Fecal wound contamination
d. Suprapubic catheter placement

Answer 8

ANS: C
The perineal approach increases the risk for infection because the incision is located close to the anus, and contamination with feces is possible. Urinary stasis and incontinence do not occur because the patient has a retention catheter in place for 1 to 2 weeks. A urethral catheter is used after the surgery.

Question 9

What will the nurse plan to teach the patient who is incontinent of urine following a radical retropubic prostatectomy?

a. Restrict oral fluid intake.
b. Do pelvic muscle exercises.
c. Perform intermittent self-catheterization.
d. Use belladonna and opium suppositories.

Answer 9

ANS: B
Pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel) exercises are recommended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve urinary control. Belladonna and opium suppositories are used to reduce bladder spasms after surgery. Intermittent self-catheterization may be taught before surgery if the patient has urinary retention, but it will not be useful in reducing incontinence after surgery. The patient should have a daily oral intake of 2 to 3 L.

Question 10

A 70-yr-old patient who has had a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is being discharged from the hospital today. Which patient statement indicates a need for the nurse to provide additional instruction?

a. “I should call the doctor if I have incontinence at home.”
b. “I will avoid driving until I get approval from my doctor.”
c. “I should schedule yearly appointments for prostate examinations.”
d. “I will increase fiber and fluids in my diet to prevent constipation.”

Answer 10

ANS: A
Because incontinence is common for several weeks after a TURP, the patient does not need to call the health care provider if this occurs. The other patient statements indicate that the patient has a good understanding of post-TURP instructions.

Question 11

What side effect of leuprolide (Lupron) should the nurse plan to discuss with a patient who has cancer of the prostate?

a. Flushing
b. Dizziness
c. Infection
d. Incontinence

Answer 11

ANS: A
Hot flashes may occur with decreased testosterone production. Dizziness may occur with the α-blockers used for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urinary incontinence may occur after prostate surgery, but it is not an expected side effect of medication. Risk for infection is increased in patients receiving chemotherapy

Question 12

Which information will the nurse teach a patient who has chronic prostatitis?

a. Ibuprofen (Motrin) should provide good pain control.
b. Prescribed antibiotics should be taken for 7 to 10 days.
c. Intercourse or masturbation will help relieve symptoms.
d. Cold packs used every 4 hours will decrease inflammation.

Answer 12

ANS: C
Ejaculation helps drain the prostate and relieve pain. Warm baths are recommended to reduce pain. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed but usually do not offer adequate pain relief. Antibiotics for chronic prostatitis are taken for 4 to 12 weeks.

Question 13

What should the nurse assess for when performing a focused examination to determine possible causes of infertility?

a. Hydrocele
b. Varicocele
c. Epididymitis
d. Paraphimosis

Answer 13

ANS: B
Persistent varicoceles are commonly associated with infertility. Hydrocele, epididymitis, and paraphimosis are not risk factors for infertility.

Question 14

Which information will the nurse plan to include when teaching a young adult who has a family history of testicular cancer about testicular self-examination?

a. Testicular self-examination should be done at least weekly.
b. Testicular self-examination should be done in a warm room.
c. The only structure normally felt in the scrotal sac is the testis.
d. Call the health care provider if one testis is larger than the other.

Answer 14

ANS: B
The testes will hang lower in the scrotum when the temperature is warm (e.g., during a shower), and it will be easier to palpate. The epididymis is also normally palpable in the scrotum. One testis is normally larger. Men at high risk should perform testicular self-examination monthly.

Question 15

A 27-yr-old patient who has testicular cancer is being admitted for a unilateral orchiectomy. The patient does not talk to his wife and speaks to the nurse only to answer the admission questions. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to take?
a. Teach the patient and the wife that impotence is unlikely after unilateral
orchiectomy.
b. Ask the patient if he has any questions or concerns about the diagnosis and
treatment.
c. Inform the patient’s wife that concerns about sexual function are common with
this diagnosis.
d. Document the patient’s lack of communication on the health record and continue
preoperative care.

Answer 15

ANS: B
The initial action by the nurse should be assessment for any anxiety or questions about the surgery or postoperative care. The nurse should address the patient, not the spouse, when discussing the diagnosis and any possible concerns. Without further assessment of patient concerns, the nurse should not offer teaching about complications after orchiectomy. Documentation of the patient’s lack of interaction is not an adequate nursing action in this situation.

Question 16

What information should the nurse include when performing discharge teaching for a patient after a vasectomy?

a. He should continue to use other methods of birth control for 6 weeks.
b. He should not have sexual intercourse until his 6-week follow-up visit.
c. He may have temporary erectile dysfunction (ED) because of swelling.
d. He will notice a decrease in the appearance and volume of his ejaculate.

Answer 16

ANS: A
Because it takes about 6 weeks to evacuate sperm that are distal to the vasectomy site, the patient should use contraception for 6 weeks. ED that occurs after vasectomy is psychologic in origin and not related to postoperative swelling. The patient does not need to abstain from intercourse. The appearance and volume of the ejaculate are not changed because sperm are a minor component of the ejaculate.

Question 17

A patient tells the nurse that he decided to seek treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) because his partner “is losing patience with the situation.” Which patient concern should be the focus of the nurse’s follow-up questions?

a. Low self-esteem
b. Role performance
c. Increased anxiety.
d. Infrequent intercourse.

Answer 17

ANS: B
The patient’s statement indicates that the relationship with his partner is his primary concern. Although anxiety, low self-esteem, and ineffective sexuality patterns may also be concerns, the patient information suggests that addressing the role performance problem will lead to the best outcome for this patient.

Question 18

A patient with urinary obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tells the nurse, “My symptoms are much worse this week.” Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

a. “Have you taken any over-the-counter (OTC) medications recently?”
b. “I will talk to the doctor about a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.”
c. “Have you talked to the doctor about surgery such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?”
d. “The prostate gland changes in size from day to day, and this may be making your symptoms worse.”

Answer 18

ANS: A
Because the patient’s increase in symptoms has occurred abruptly, the nurse should ask about OTC medications that might cause contraction of the smooth muscle in the prostate and worsen obstruction. The prostate gland does not vary in size from day to day. A TURP may be needed, but more assessment about reasons for the sudden symptom change is a more appropriate first response by the nurse. PSA testing is done to differentiate BPH from prostatic cancer

Question 19

What health history information should the nurse obtain from the patient who has possible testicular cancer?

a. Testicular torsion
b. Testicular trauma
c. Undescended testicles
d. Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Answer 19

ANS: C
Cryptorchidism, or undescended testicles, is a risk factor for testicular cancer if it is not corrected before puberty. STI, testicular torsion, and testicular trauma are risk factors for other testicular conditions but not for testicular cancer.

Question 20

What should the nurse plan to teach a 67-yr-old patient who has been diagnosed with orchitis?

a. Pain management
b. Emergency surgery
c. Scrotal sac fluid aspiration
d. Applying heat to the scrotum

Answer 20

ANS: A
Orchitis is very painful, and effective pain management will be needed. Heat, aspiration, and surgery are not used to treat orchitis.

Question 21

A patient who has benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with urinary retention is admitted to the hospital with elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Which prescribed therapy should the nurse implement first?

a. Infuse normal saline at 50 mL/hr.
b. Insert a urinary retention catheter.
c. Draw blood for a complete blood count.
d. Schedule pelvic magnetic resonance imaging

Answer 21

ANS: B
The patient data indicate that the patient may have acute kidney injury caused by the BPH. The initial therapy will be to insert a catheter. The other actions are also appropriate, but they can be implemented after the acute urinary retention is resolved.

Question 22

The nurse in the clinic notes elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the laboratory results of these patients. Which patient’s elevated PSA result requires further evaluation?
a. A 38-yr-old patient who is being treated for acute prostatitis
b. A 52-yr-old patient who goes on long bicycle rides every weekend
c. A 48-yr-old patient whose father died of metastatic prostate cancer
d. A 75-yr-old patient who uses saw palmetto to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia
(BPH)

Answer 22

ANS: C
The family history of prostate cancer and elevation of PSA indicate that further evaluation of the patient for prostate cancer is needed. Elevations in PSA for the other patients are not unusual.

Question 23

After a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), a 64-yr-old patient with continuous bladder irrigation reports painful bladder spasms. The nurse observes clots in the urine. Which action should the nurse take first?

a. Increase the flowrate of the bladder irrigation.
b. Administer the prescribed IV morphine sulfate.
c. Give the patient the prescribed belladonna and opium suppository.
d. Manually instill and then withdraw 50 mL of saline into the catheter.

Answer 23

ANS: D
The assessment suggests that obstruction by a clot is causing the bladder spasms, and the nurse’s first action should be to irrigate the catheter manually and to try to remove the clots. IV morphine will not decrease the spasm, although pain may be reduced. Increasing the flowrate of the irrigation will further distend the bladder and may increase spasms. The belladonna and opium suppository will decrease bladder spasms but will not remove the obstructing blood clot.

Question 24

A 22-yr-old patient tells the nurse at the health clinic that he has recently had problems with erectile dysfunction. Which question should the nurse ask to assess for possible etiologic factors in this age group?

a. “Do you use recreational drugs or drink alcohol?”
b. “Do you experience an unusual amount of stress?”
c. “Do you have cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease?”
d. “Do you have a history of an erection that lasted for 6 hours or more?”

Answer 24

ANS: A
A common cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) in younger men is use of recreational drugs or alcohol. Stress, priapism, and cardiovascular illness also contribute to ED, but they are not common etiologic factors in younger men.

Question 25

A 58-yr-old patient with erectile dysfunction (ED) tells the nurse he is interested in using sildenafil (Viagra). Which action should the nurse take first?

a. Assure the patient that ED is common with aging.
b. Ask the patient about any prescription drugs he is taking.
c. Tell the patient that Viagra does not always work for ED.
d. Discuss the common adverse effects of erectogenic drugs.

Answer 25

ANS: B
Because some medications can cause ED and patients using nitrates should not take sildenafil, the nurse should first assess for prescription drug use. The nurse may want to teach the patient about realistic expectations and adverse effects of sildenafil therapy, but this should not be the first action. Although ED does increase with aging, it may be secondary to medication use or cardiovascular disease.

Question 26

The nurse in a health clinic receives requests for appointments from several patients. Which patient should be seen by the health care provider first?

a. A 48-yr-old patient who has perineal pain and a temperature of 100.4° F
b. A 58-yr-old patient who has a painful erection that has lasted more than 6 hours
c. A 38-yr-old patient who reports that he had difficulty maintaining an erection twice last week
d. A 68-yr-old patient who has pink urine after a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) 3 days ago

Answer 26

ANS: B
Priapism can cause complications such as necrosis or hydronephrosis, and this patient should be treated immediately. The other patients do not require immediate action to prevent serious complications.

Question 27

Which assessment information collected by the nurse may present a contraindication to a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?

a. The patient has noticed a decrease in energy level for a few years.
b. The patient’s symptoms have increased steadily over the past few years.
c. The patient has been using sildenafil (Viagra) several times every week.
d. The patient has had a gradual decrease in the force of his urinary stream.

Answer 27

ANS: D
The decrease in urinary stream may indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer, which are contraindications to the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). The other patient data indicate that TRT may be a helpful therapy for the patient.

Question 28

A patient who has been diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer chooses the option of active surveillance. What should the nurse plan to do?

a. Vaccinate the patient with sipuleucel-T (Provenge).
b. Provide the patient with information about cryotherapy.
c. Teach the patient about placement of intraurethral stents.
d. Schedule the patient for annual prostate-specific antigen testing.

Answer 28

ANS: D
Patients who opt for active surveillance need to have annual digital rectal examinations and prostate-specific antigen testing. Vaccination with sipuleucel-T, cryotherapy, and stent placement are options for patients who choose to have active treatment for prostate cancer.

Question 29

The health care provider prescribes the following interventions for a patient with acute prostatitis caused by Escherichia coli. Which intervention should the nurse question?

a. Give trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 1 tablet daily for 28 days.
b. Administer ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain.
c. Instruct patient to avoid sexual intercourse until treatment is complete.
d. Catheterize the patient as needed if symptoms of urinary retention develop.

Answer 29

ANS: D
Although acute urinary retention may occur, insertion of a catheter through an inflamed urethra is contraindicated, and the nurse will anticipate that the health care provider will need to insert a suprapubic catheter. The other actions are appropriate.

Question 30

Several patients call the urology clinic requesting appointments with the health care provider as soon as possible. Which patient will the nurse schedule to be seen first?
a. A 22-yr-old patient who has noticed a firm, nontender lump on his scrotum
b. A 35-yr-old patient who is concerned that his scrotum “feels like a bag of worms”
c. A 40-yr-old patient who has pelvic pain while being treated for chronic prostatitis
d. A 70-yr-old patient who is reporting frequent urinary dribbling after a
prostatectomy

Answer 30

ANS: A
The patient’s age and symptoms suggest possible testicular cancer. Some forms of testicular cancer can be very aggressive, so the patient should be evaluated by the health care provider as soon as possible. Varicoceles do require treatment but not emergently. Ongoing pelvic pain is common with chronic prostatitis. Urinary dribbling is a common problem after prostatectomy.

Question 31

The nurse is obtaining the pertinent health history for a man who is being evaluated for infertility. Which question focuses on a possible cause of infertility?

a. “Are you circumcised?”
b. “Have you had surgery for phimosis?”
c. “Do you use medications to improve muscle mass?”
d. “Is there a history of prostate cancer in your family?”

Answer 31

ANS: C
Testosterone or testosterone-like medications may adversely affect sperm count. The other information will be obtained in the health history but does not affect the patient’s fertility.

Question 32

The following male patients recently arrived in the emergency department. Which one should the nurse assess first?

a. A 19-yr-old patient who is reporting severe scrotal pain
b. A 60-yr-old patient with a nontender ulceration of the glans penis
c. A 64-yr-old patient who has dysuria after brachytherapy for prostate cancer
d. A 22-yr-old patient who has purulent urethral drainage and severe back pain

Answer 32

ANS: A
The patient’s age and symptoms suggest possible testicular torsion, which will require rapid treatment to prevent testicular necrosis. The other patients also require assessment by the nurse, but their history and symptoms indicate nonemergent problems (acute prostatitis, cancer of the penis, and radiation-associated urinary tract irritation).

Question 33

Which action by the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who are assisting with the care of male patients with reproductive problems indicates that the nurse should provide more teaching?
a. The UAP apply a cold pack to the scrotum for a patient with mumps orchitis.
b. The UAP help a patient who has had a prostatectomy to put on antiembolism
hose.
c. The UAP leave the foreskin pulled back after cleaning the glans of a patient who
has a retention catheter.
d. The UAP encourage a high oral fluid intake for patient who had transurethral
resection of the prostate yesterday.

Answer 33

ANS: C
Paraphimosis can be caused by failing to replace the foreskin back over the glans after cleaning. The other actions by UAP are appropriate.

Question 34

When caring for a patient with continuous bladder irrigation after having transurethral resection of the prostate, which action could the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

a. Teach the patient how to perform Kegel exercises.
b. Monitor for increases in bleeding or presence of clots.
c. Increase the flowrate of the irrigation if clots are noted.
d. Report any patient reports of pain or spasms to the nurse.

Answer 34

ANS: D
UAP education and role includes reporting patient concerns to supervising nurses. Patient teaching, assessments for complications, and actions such as bladder irrigation require more education and should be done by licensed nursing staff.

Question 35

After reviewing the electronic medical record shown in the accompanying figure for a patient who had transurethral resection of the prostate the previous day, which information requires the most rapid action by the nurse?

a. Elevated temperature and pulse
b. Bladder spasms and urine output
c. Respiratory rate and lung crackles
d. No prescription for antihypertensive drugs

Answer 35

ANS: B
Bladder spasms and lack of urine output indicate that the nurse needs to assess the continuous bladder irrigation for kinks and may need to manually irrigate the patient’s catheter. The other information will also require actions, such as having the patient take deep breaths and cough and discussing the need for antihypertensive medication prescriptions with the health care provider, but the nurse’s first action should be to address the problem with the urinary drainage system