When caring for a male client scheduled for a prostatectomy due to cancer, the nurse would expect which of the following assessment findings to be present? Standard Text: Select all that apply

Question

1. Enlargement of the scrotal sac
2. Pyuria
3. Increase in prostatic specific antigen (PSA)
4. Dribbling of urine
5. Difficulty in initiating urine stream

Answer 1

3,4,5
Rationale 1: Enlargement of the scrotal sac. The scrotal sac will not be enlarged with a diagnosis for prostate cancer. Scrotal sac enlargement may be noted in the presence of inflammation of the testicles or the epididymis.
Rationale 2: Pyruia. Pyruia refers to pus in the urine. Pus in the urine is not consistent with the presence of prostate cancer.
Rationale 3: Increase in prostatic specific antigen (PSA). Low levels of prostatic specific antigen are present in normal, healthy men. Laboratory values for the PSA will be elevated in the presence of prostate cancer.
Rationale 4: Dribbling of urine. The dribbling of urine may be seen with prostate cancer. Dribbling will occur in the presence of prostate enlargement.
Rationale 5: Difficulty in initiating urine stream. Prostate enlargement as seen in malignant conditions may result in the client experiencing difficulty in initiating the urine stream.