Definition
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is characterized by progressive enlargement of the prostate gland (commonly seen in men older than age 50), causing varying degrees of urethral obstruction and restriction of urinary flow.
Diagnostic Studies
- Urinalysis: Color: Yellow, dark brown, dark or bright red (bloody); appearance may be cloudy. pH 7 or greater (suggests infection); bacteria, WBCs, RBCs may be present microscopically.
- Urine culture: May reveal Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, orEscherichia coli.
- Urine cytology: To rule out bladder cancer.
- BUN/Cr: Elevated if renal function is compromised.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): Glycoprotein contained in the cytoplasm of prostatic epithelial cells, detected in the blood of adult men. Level is greatly increased in prostatic cancer but can also be elevated in BPH. Note: Research suggests elevated PSA levels with a low percentage of free PSA are more likely associated with prostate cancer than with a benign prostate condition.
- WBC: May be more than 11,000/mm3, indicating infection if patient is not immunosuppressed.
- Uroflowmetry: Assesses degree of bladder obstruction.
- IVP with postvoiding film: Shows delayed emptying of bladder, varying degrees of urinary tract obstruction, and presence of prostatic enlargement, bladder diverticuli, and abnormal thickening of bladder muscle.
- Voiding cystourethrography: May be used instead of IVP to visualize bladder and urethra because it uses local dyes.
- Cystometrogram: Measures pressure and volume in the bladder to identify bladder dysfunction unrelated to BPH.
- Cystourethroscopy: To view degree of prostatic enlargement and bladder-wall changes (bladder diverticulum).
- Cystometry: Evaluates detrusor muscle function and tone.
- Transrectal prostatic ultrasound: Measures size of prostate and amount of residual urine; locates lesions unrelated to BPH.
Nursing Priorities
- Relieve acute urinary retention.
- Promote comfort.
- Prevent complications.
- Help patient deal with psychosocial concerns.
- Provide information about disease process/prognosis and treatment needs.
Discharge Goals
- Voiding pattern normalized.
- Pain/discomfort relieved.
- Complications prevented/minimized.
- Dealing with situation realistically.
- Disease process/prognosis and therapeutic regimen understood.
- Plan in place to meet needs after discharge.
Nursing Care Plans
Below are 5 Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Urinary Retention
May be related to
- Mechanical obstruction; enlarged prostate
- Decompensation of detrusor musculature
- Inability of bladder to contract adequately
Possibly evidenced by
- Frequency, hesitancy, inability to empty bladder completely; incontinence/dribbling
- Bladder distension, residual urine
Desired Outcomes
- Void in sufficient amounts with no palpable bladder distension.
- Demonstrate postvoid residuals of less than 50 mL, with absence of dribbling/overflow.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Encourage patient to void every 2–4 hr and when urge is noted. | May minimize urinary retention/overdistension of the bladder. |
| Ask patient about stress incontinence when moving, sneezing, coughing, laughing, lifting objects. | High urethral pressure inhibits bladder emptying or can inhibit voiding until abdominal pressure increases enough for urine to be involuntarily lost. |
| Observe urinary stream, noting size and force. | Useful in evaluating degree of obstruction and choice of intervention. |
| Have patient document time and amount of each voiding. Note diminished urinary output. Measure specific gravity as indicated | Urinary retention increases pressure within the ureters and kidneys, which may cause renal insufficiency. Any deficit in blood flow to the kidney impairs its ability to filter and concentrate substances. |
| Percuss/palpate suprapubic area. | A distended bladder can be felt in the suprapubic area. |
| Encourage oral fluids up to 3000 mL daily, within cardiac tolerance, if indicated. | Increased circulating fluid maintains renal perfusion and flushes kidneys, bladder, and ureters of “sediment and bacteria.” Note: Initially, fluids may be restricted to prevent bladder distension until adequate urinary flow is reestablished. |
| Monitor vital signs closely. Observe for hypertension, peripheral/dependent edema, changes in mentation. Weigh daily. Maintain accurate I&O. | Loss of kidney function results in decreased fluid elimination and accumulation of toxic wastes; may progress to complete renal shutdown. |
| Provide/encourage meticulous catheter and perineal care. | Reduces risk of ascending infection. |
| Recommend sitz bath as indicated. | Promotes muscle relaxation, decreases edema, and may enhance voiding effort. |
| Administer medications as indicated:Androgen inhibitors, e.g., finasteride (Proscar);
Alpha-adrenergic antagonists, e.g., tamsulosin (Flomax), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin (Hytrin), doxazosin mesylate (Cardura);
Antispasmodics, e.g., oxybutynin (Ditropan);
Rectal suppositories (B & O);
Antibiotics and antibacterials. |
Reduces the size of the prostate and decreases symptoms if taken long-term; however, side effects such as decreased libido and ejaculatory dysfunction may influence patient’s choice for long-term use. Studies indicate that these drugs may be as effective as Proscar for outflow obstruction and may have fewer side effects in regard to sexual function. Relieves bladder spasms related to irritation by the catheter.Suppositories are absorbed easily through mucosa into bladder tissue to produce muscle relaxation/relieve spasms.Given to combat infection. May be used prophylactically. |
| Catheterize for residual urine and leave indwelling catheter as indicated. | Relieves/prevents urinary retention and rules out presence of ureteral stricture. Coudé catheter may be required because the curved tip eases passage of the tube through the prostatic urethra. Note: Bladder decompression should be done with caution to observe for sign of adverse reaction, e.g., hematuria (rupture of blood vessels in the mucosa of the overdistended bladder) and syncope (excessive autonomic stimulation). |
Acute Pain
May be related to
- Mucosal irritation: bladder distension, renal colic; urinary infection; radiation therapy
- Possibly evidenced by
- Reports of pain (bladder/rectal spasm)
- Narrowed focus; altered muscle tone, grimacing; distraction behaviors, restlessness
- Autonomic responses
Desired Outcomes
- Report pain relieved/controlled.
- Appear relaxed.
- Be able to sleep/rest appropriately.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Assess pain, noting location, intensity (scale of 0–10), duration. | Provides information to aid in determining choice/effectiveness of interventions. |
| Tape drainage tube to thigh and catheter to the abdomen (if traction not required). | Prevents pull on the bladder and erosion of the penile-scrotal junction. |
| Recommend bedrest as indicated. | Bedrest may be needed initially during acute retention phase; however, early ambulation can help restore normal voiding patterns and relieve colicky pain. |
| Provide comfort measures, e.g., back rub, helping patient assume position of comfort. Suggest use of relaxation/deep-breathing exercises, diversional activities. | Promotes relaxation, refocuses attention, and may enhance coping abilities. |
| Encourage use of sitz baths, warm soaks to perineum. | Promotes muscle relaxation. |
| Insert catheter and attach to straight drainage as indicated. | Draining bladder reduces bladder tension and irritability. |
| Instruct in prostatic massage. | Aids in evacuation of ducts of gland to relieve congestion/inflammation. Contraindicated if infection is present. |
| Administer medications as indicated:Narcotics, e.g., meperidine (Demerol);
Antibacterials, e.g., methenamine hippurate (Hiprex);
Antispasmodics and bladder sedatives, e.g., flavoxate (Urispas), oxybutynin (Ditropan). |
Given to relieve severe pain, provide physical and mental relaxation.Reduces bacteria present in urinary tract and those introduced by drainage system.
Relieves bladder irritability. |
Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume
Risk factors may include
- Postobstructive diuresis from rapid drainage of a chronically overdistended bladder
- Endocrine, electrolyte imbalances (renal dysfunction)
Desired Outcomes
- Maintain adequate hydration as evidenced by stable vital signs, palpable peripheral pulses, good capillary refill, and moist mucous membranes.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Monitor output carefully. Note outputs of 100–200 mL/hr. | Rapid/sustained diuresis could cause patient’s total fluid volume to become depleted and limits sodium reabsorption in renal tubules. |
| Encourage increased oral intake based on individual needs. | Patient may have restricted oral intake in an attempt to control urinary symptoms, reducing homeostatic reserves and increasing risk of dehydration/hypovolemia. |
| Monitor BP, pulse. Evaluate capillary refill and oral mucous membranes. | Enables early detection of and intervention for systemic hypovolemia. |
| Promote bedrest with head elevated. | Decreases cardiac workload, facilitating circulatory homeostasis. |
| Monitor electrolyte levels, especially sodium. | As fluid is pulled from extracellular spaces, sodium may follow the shift, causing hyponatremia. |
| Administer IV fluids (hypertonic saline) as needed. | Replaces fluid and sodium losses to prevent/correct hypovolemia following outpatient procedures. |
Fear/Anxiety
May be related to
- Change in health status: possibility of surgical procedure/malignancy
- Embarrassment/loss of dignity associated with genital exposure before, during, and after treatment; concern about sexual ability
Possibly evidenced by
- Increased tension, apprehension, worry
- Expressed concerns regarding perceived changes
- Fear of unspecific consequences
Desired Outcomes
- Appear relaxed.
- Verbalize accurate knowledge of the situation.
- Demonstrate appropriate range of feelings and lessened fear.
- Report anxiety is reduced to a manageable level.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Be available to patient. Establish trusting relationship with patient/SO. | Demonstrates concern and willingness to help. Encourages discussion of sensitive subjects. |
| Provide information about specific procedures and tests and what to expect afterward, e.g., catheter, bloody urine, bladder irritation. Be aware of how much information patient wants. | Helps patient understand purpose of what is being done, and reduces concerns associated with the unknown, including fear of cancer. However, overload of information is not helpful and may increase anxiety. |
| Maintain matter-of-fact attitude in doing procedures/ dealing with patient. Protect patient’s privacy. |
Communicates acceptance and eases patient’s embarrassment. |
| Encourage patient/SO to verbalize concerns and feelings. | Defines the problem, providing opportunity to answer questions, clarify misconceptions, and problem-solve solutions. |
| Reinforce previous information patient has been given. | Allows patient to deal with reality and strengthens trust in caregivers and information presented. |
Knowledge Deficit
May be related to
- Lack of exposure/recall, information misinterpretation
- Unfamiliarity with information resources
- Concern about sensitive area
Possibly evidenced by
- Questions, request for information; verbalization of the problem
- Inappropriate behaviors, e.g., apathetic, withdrawn
- Inaccurate follow-through of instructions, development of preventable complications
Desired Outcomes
- Verbalize understanding of disease process/prognosis and potential complications.
- Identify relationship of signs/symptoms to the disease process.
- Verbalize understanding of therapeutic needs.
- Initiate necessary lifestyle/behavior changes.
- Participate in treatment regimen.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Review disease process, patient expectations. | Provides knowledge base from which patient can make informed therapy choices. |
| Encourage verbalization of fears/feelings and concerns. | Helping patient work through feelings can be vital to rehabilitation. |
| Give information that the condition is not sexually transmitted. | May be an unspoken fear. |
| Review drug therapy/use of herbal products and diet, e.g., increased fruits, soy beans. | Some patients may prefer to treat with complementary therapy because of decreased occurrence/lessened severity of side effects, e.g. impotence. |
| Recommend avoiding spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, long automobile rides, rapid intake of fluids (particularly alcohol). | May cause prostatic irritation with resulting congestion. Sudden increase in urinary flow can cause bladder distension and loss of bladder tone, resulting in episodes of acute urinary retention. |
| Address sexual concerns, e.g., during acute episodes of prostatitis, intercourse is avoided, but may be helpful in treatment of chronic condition. | Sexual activity can increase pain during acute episodes but may serve as massaging agent in presence of chronic disease. Note: Medications such as finasteride (Proscar) are known to interfere with libido and erections. Alternatives include terazosin (Hytrin), doxazosin mesylate (Cardura), and tamsulosin (Flomax), which do not affect testosterone levels. |
| Provide information about basic sexual anatomy. Encourage questions and promote a dialogue about concerns. | Having information about anatomy involved helps patient understand the implications of proposed treatments because they might affect sexual performance. |
| Review signs/symptoms requiring medical evaluation, e.g., cloudy, odorous urine; diminished urinary output, inability to void; presence of fever/chills. | Prompt interventions may prevent more serious complications. |
| Discuss necessity of notifying other healthcare providers of diagnosis. | Reduces risk of inappropriate therapy, e.g., use of decongestants, anticholinergics, and antidepressants, which can increase urinary retention and may precipitate an acute episode. |
| Reinforce importance of medical follow-up for at least 6 mo to 1 yr, including rectal examination, urinalysis. | Recurrence of hypertrophy and/or infection (caused by same or different organisms) is not uncommon and requires changes in therapeutic regimen to prevent serious complications. |
ncp of pain related to urinary cell hyperplasia, risk of infection and wbc numbers, sitz bath for urinary retention
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