An elderly male client has been diagnosed with prostate cancer

Question

However, because he has a history of heart failure with an ejection fraction of 20% and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to many years of smoking, the client is not a candidate for major surgery. Which of the following treatments should the nurse anticipate being utilized for this client?
A) Transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) that only utilizes epidural blocks and small amounts of Versed and Fentanyl
B) Stent placed to widen and maintain the patency of the urethra
C) Teaching the client how to perform a straight catheterization every time they feel the need to empty their bladder
D) Brachytherapy inserted into the penis and instilled into the prostate tissue

Answer 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
The surgical removal of an enlarged prostate can be accomplished by the transurethral, suprapubic, or perineal approach. Currently, transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) is the most commonly used technique. For men who have heart or lung disease or a condition that precludes major surgery, a stent may be used to widen and maintain the patency of the urethra. A stent is a device made of tubular mesh that is inserted under local or regional anesthesia. Within several months, the lining of the urethra grows to cover the inside of the stent. It would be highly unlikely for the client to be asked to straight cath for urination. Brachytherapy would not be a treatment of choice since it would block the passage of urine from the bladder.