Objectives 4 - 6

What are the common emotional and social impacts of urinary incontinence?

• Embarrassment and social isolation

• Increased social activity

• Improved self-esteem

• Enhanced physical health

Answer explanation

Urinary incontinence often leads to embarrassment and social isolation, as individuals may feel ashamed or fear judgment, impacting their willingness to engage in social activities.

How can LVNs support patients with urinary incontinence?

• By fostering open communication

• By ignoring their concerns

• By discouraging social activities

• By withholding treatment options

Answer explanation

LVNs can support patients with urinary incontinence by fostering open communication, which helps address their concerns and encourages them to discuss treatment options, ultimately improving their quality of life.

What role does education play in managing urinary incontinence?

• It helps patients delay care

• It informs patients about treatment options

• It increases patient anxiety

• It reduces the need for support groups

Answer explanation

Education plays a crucial role in managing urinary incontinence by informing patients about various treatment options available, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care.

What is the purpose of bladder diaries in managing urinary incontinence?

• To track fluid intake and voiding patterns

• To increase patient anxiety

• To discourage treatment adherence

• To promote social isolation

Answer explanation

Bladder diaries are essential for managing urinary incontinence as they help track fluid intake and voiding patterns, allowing healthcare providers to identify triggers and develop effective treatment plans.

Why is empathy important when supporting patients with urinary incontinence?

• It helps patients feel validated and reduces shame

• It increases patient embarrassment

• It discourages open communication

• It promotes social withdrawal

Answer explanation

Empathy is crucial in supporting patients with urinary incontinence as it helps them feel validated and reduces feelings of shame, fostering a more open and supportive environment for communication.

What is the role of alpha-adrenergic blockers in managing BPH?

• They relax smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate

• They increase bladder contractions

• They cause urinary retention

• They reduce prostate size immediately

Answer explanation

Alpha-adrenergic blockers help manage BPH by relaxing smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate, which improves urinary flow and reduces symptoms. This is the primary mechanism of action for these medications.

Why must antimuscarinics be used cautiously in older adults?

• They can cause confusion or delirium

• They improve cognitive function

• They have no side effects

• They enhance renal function

Answer explanation

Antimuscarinics can lead to confusion or delirium in older adults due to their anticholinergic effects, which are more pronounced in this age group, making cautious use essential.

What is the mechanism of action of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors?

• They inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT

• They increase DHT levels

• They promote prostate growth

• They cause immediate symptom relief

Answer explanation

5-alpha-reductase inhibitors work by inhibiting the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This reduction in DHT levels helps manage conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia.

What are the potential side effects of tricyclic antidepressants?

• Sedation, arrhythmias, and orthostatic hypotension

• Increased energy and alertness

• Improved cardiovascular health

• Enhanced bladder function

Answer explanation

Tricyclic antidepressants can cause sedation, arrhythmias, and orthostatic hypotension, which are significant side effects. The other options, such as increased energy or improved health, are not typical effects of these medications.

Why is blood pressure monitoring important when using alpha blockers?

• To prevent dangerous drops in blood pressure

• To increase peripheral vascular resistance

• To enhance blood flow

• To reduce medication efficacy

Answer explanation

Blood pressure monitoring is crucial when using alpha blockers to prevent dangerous drops in blood pressure, which can lead to serious complications. These medications can cause vasodilation, increasing the risk of hypotension.