Author Question: The nurse in the clinic notes elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in the laboratory ... (Read 112 times)

jilianpiloj · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse in the clinic notes elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in the laboratory results of these patients. Which patient's PSA result is most important to report to the health care provider?

a. A 38-year-old who is being treated for acute prostatitis
b. A 48-year-old whose father died of metastatic prostate cancer
c. A 52-year-old who goes on long bicycle rides every weekend
d. A 75-year-old who uses saw palmetto to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Question 2

A patient with urinary obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tells the nurse, My symptoms are much worse this week. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

a. Have you been taking any over-the-counter (OTC) medications recently?
b. I will talk to the doctor about ordering a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.
c. Have you talked to the doctor about surgery such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?
d. The prostate gland changes in size from day to day, and this may be making your symptoms worse.

Galvarado142 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The family history of prostate cancer and elevation of PSA indicate that further evaluation of the patient for prostate cancer is needed. Elevations in PSA for the other patients are not unusual.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Because the patient's increase in symptoms has occurred abruptly, the nurse should ask about OTC medications that might cause contraction of the smooth muscle in the prostate and worsen obstruction. The prostate gland does not vary in size from day to day. A TURP may be needed, but more assessment about possible reasons for the sudden symptom change is a more appropriate first response by the nurse. PSA testing is done to differentiate BPH from prostatic cancer.