A 72-year-old male patient presents to the emergency department with severe lower abdominal pain and an inability to void for the past 12 hours. On physical examination, the patient's bladder is palpable and distended. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial intervention for this patient?
Immediate bladder catheterization
Administration of analgesics
Perform an ultrasound to confirm bladder distention
Immediate bladder catheterization is the correct intervention for acute urinary retention to relieve the patient's discomfort and to prevent further bladder distention and potential injury. Analgesics, while necessary to manage pain, are not the initial intervention to relieve urinary retention. Ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool but does not provide immediate relief from retention. Intravenous fluids should be used cautiously in patients with urinary retention to prevent exacerbation of the retention until after bladder decompression.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
Why is urinary catheterization the first step for treating urinary retention?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the risks of delaying catheterization in a patient with urinary retention?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Are there any alternative treatments for urinary retention?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
BCEN CEN
Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Gynecology, and Obstetrical
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access