Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is a common patient complaint associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy?

1. Difficulty with bowel movements

2. Frequent urination

3. Severe back pain

4. Excessive sweating

The correct answer is: Frequent urination

Frequent urination is a hallmark symptom associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). As the prostate enlarges, it can exert pressure on the urethra, leading to obstructed urine flow, which results in a range of urinary symptoms. Patients may experience increased urgency to urinate, the need to urinate more frequently during the day and night (nocturia), and difficulties starting or stopping urination. The other symptoms listed do not typically arise directly from BPH. Difficulty with bowel movements might relate more to issues with the lower gastrointestinal tract or pelvic floor dysfunction rather than an enlarged prostate. Severe back pain typically suggests other conditions such as musculoskeletal issues or potential malignancies, while excessive sweating would not be linked with BPH and might indicate other endocrine or autonomic dysregulations. Understanding these distinctions helps in accurately diagnosing and managing symptoms associated with BPH.