In reading a client's record, the nurse notes that the client is experiencing tinnitus. Which assessment provides the nurse with the information needed to evaluate the effects of this condition?

Choice A Reason:
Audible thud without pain is incorrect. An audible thud without pain would not be an expected response when percussing the costovertebral angle (CVA) in a client with pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis typically presents with tenderness upon percussion of the CVA due to inflammation or infection of the kidneys. The absence of pain in this scenario would not be consistent with the expected response.
Choice B Reason:
Rigidity and firmness are incorrect. Rigidity and firmness upon percussion of the costovertebral angle (CVA) may suggest muscle tension or guarding, rather than the tenderness typically associated with kidney inflammation or infection such as pyelonephritis. While guarding can occur in response to pain, it is not the expected response when assessing for kidney tenderness.
Choice C Reason:
Rebound tenderness is incorrect. Rebound tenderness refers to the exacerbation of pain upon release of pressure, typically observed in conditions such as peritonitis. While rebound tenderness may be present in some abdominal conditions, it is not the expected response when percussing the costovertebral angle (CVA) to assess for kidney tenderness in pyelonephritis. In pyelonephritis, tenderness upon initial percussion is more indicative of the condition.
Choice D Reason:
Sharp, severe pain is correct. Sharp, severe pain upon percussing the CVA suggests tenderness, which can be indicative of kidney inflammation or infection, such as pyelonephritis. This finding would support the diagnosis and help guide further assessment and treatment.

Choice A Reason:
Black tarry stools are inappropriate. Black tarry stools may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which is not directly related to the client's symptoms of suprapubic tenderness and pressure after urination. While it's important to consider other potential health issues, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, it may not be directly relevant to the client's current urinary symptoms.
Choice B Reason:
A cloudy discharge is inappropriate. A cloudy discharge may suggest an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract, but it is not specifically associated with the symptoms described by the client (suprapubic tenderness and pressure after urination). While urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in older adults, they may present with symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, dysuria, and hematuria, rather than suprapubic tenderness and pressure after urination.
Choice C Reason:
An overactive bladder is inappropriate. While overactive bladder can cause urinary urgency and frequency, it is less likely to present with suprapubic tenderness and pressure after urination. Overactive bladder is characterized by sudden, involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles, leading to a frequent and urgent need to urinate. It may not directly explain the client's symptoms of suprapubic tenderness and pressure after urination, which are more suggestive of urinary obstruction due to BPH.
Choice D Reason:
A weak urinary stream is appropriate. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men characterized by noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can lead to compression of the urethra and urinary symptoms. A weak urinary stream is a classic symptom of BPH due to the obstruction caused by the enlarged prostate gland, which interferes with the normal flow of urine. Therefore, the nurse should expect a weak urinary stream as an additional finding during the client interview, which is consistent with the suspected diagnosis of BPH.