Nursing Interventions: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1. Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests and surgery as appropriate.
2. Obtain a urine culture if UTI is suspected.
3. Administer antibiotics as ordered for UTI, urethral procedures that involve instruments, and cystoscopy.
4. If urine retention occurs, insert an indwelling catheter.
5. Monitor and record the patient’s vital signs, intake, output, and daily weight.
6. Watch closely for signs of postobstructive diuresis such as increased urine output and hypotension, which may lead to serious dehydration, lowered blood volume, shock, electrolyte loses, and anuria.
7. Instruct the patient to follow prescribed oral antibiotics regimen and tell him the indications for using gentle laxatives.
8. Urge the patient to seek medical care immediately if he can’t void, if he passes bloody urine, or if he develops a fever.
9. Advise the patient that it may take several months of medical therapy before symptoms improve.
10. Urge him to seek medical care immediately if he can’t void, if he passes bloody urine, or if he develops fever.