Which of the following statements accurately describes the term “micturition”?
The act of experiencing total urinary incontinence.
The act of emptying the urinary bladder.
The condition of being unable to completely empty the urinary bladder.
The act of catheterizing the urinary bladder.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Total urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of all urine from the bladder. It is not synonymous with micturition, which is a controlled process of bladder emptying.
Incontinence can stem from various factors, including neurological disorders, muscle weakness, medication side effects, and structural abnormalities.
It's essential to distinguish between incontinence and micturition for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Choice B rationale:
Micturition, also known as urination or voiding, is the physiological process of emptying the urinary bladder. It involves a coordinated interplay between the nervous system, bladder muscles, and urethral sphincters. When the bladder fills with urine, stretch receptors signal the nervous system, prompting the urge to urinate. If conditions are appropriate, the nervous system initiates a series of events:
The detrusor muscle in the bladder wall contracts.
The internal urethral sphincter relaxes, opening the pathway for urine to flow.
The external urethral sphincter, under voluntary control, relaxes to allow urine to pass through the urethra and out of the body.
Choice C rationale:
The inability to completely empty the bladder is called urinary retention.
It can result from various causes, including obstruction (e.g., enlarged prostate, urethral stricture), neurological disorders, medications, and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Urinary retention differs from micturition, as it involves incomplete bladder emptying.
Choice D rationale:
Catheterization is the process of inserting a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into the bladder to drain urine.
It's a medical procedure performed for various reasons, such as urinary retention, bladder obstruction, or to collect urine samples.
Catheterization is not a natural process of micturition, but a medical intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Completing the Full Course of Antibiotics Is Essential to Prevent Recurrence and Antibiotic Resistance:
Eradication of Bacteria: Even though symptoms may have resolved, it's crucial to continue the full course of antibiotics to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria causing the UTI. Incomplete treatment can lead to:
Recurrence: Bacteria that haven't been fully eliminated can repopulate and cause a relapse of the infection. Antibiotic Resistance: Bacteria can develop resistance to the antibiotic, making future infections more difficult to treat. Specific Considerations for Nitrofurantoin:
Bacterial Suppression: Nitrofurantoin works primarily in the bladder, so it's essential to maintain adequate levels for a sufficient duration to fully suppress bacterial growth and prevent reinfection.
Delayed Symptom Resolution: In some cases, symptom resolution may lag behind bacterial eradication. Continuing the full course ensures treatment even if symptoms haven't completely subsided.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Urinary retention is the inability to completely empty the bladder. It is a common symptom of BPH, as the enlarged prostate can press on the urethra and obstruct the flow of urine. This can lead to several characteristic symptoms, including:
Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying: Patients often feel as though they haven't fully emptied their bladder, even after urinating.
Straining to urinate: It may take extra effort to initiate and maintain a urine stream.
Weak urine stream: The force of the urine stream may be noticeably reduced.
Intermittent urine stream: The flow of urine may start and stop repeatedly.
Post-void dribbling: Urine may continue to drip after urination has seemingly ended.
Urinary frequency: The need to urinate frequently, often at night (nocturia).
Urgency: A sudden, compelling need to urinate that may be difficult to postpone.
Bladder pain or discomfort: Pressure or pain in the lower abdomen, often associated with a full bladder. Pathophysiology:
Bladder outlet obstruction: The enlarged prostate physically compresses the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This obstruction makes it difficult for urine to flow freely, leading to incomplete bladder emptying.
Detrusor muscle dysfunction: The detrusor muscle, which forms the bladder wall, may become weakened or overactive due to the constant strain of trying to empty against resistance. This can further impair bladder emptying.
Neurological factors: In some cases, nerve damage or dysfunction may contribute to urinary retention, particularly in men with diabetes or neurological conditions.
Additional insights:
Chronic urinary retention can result in serious complications, such as bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and kidney damage.
Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency that requires immediate catheterization to relieve the bladder and prevent further complications.
Treatment for urinary retention typically involves medications to relax the prostate and bladder muscles, as well as lifestyle modifications such as limiting fluid intake before bedtime. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to reduce the size of the prostate or widen the urethra.
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