What finding associated with urinary retention should the nurse expect in a client with prostatic hypertrophy?

A client with prostatic hypertrophy often experiences urinary retention due to the enlarged prostate pressing on the urethra. This condition can lead to a feeling of fullness or pressure in the bladder area, as the retained urine accumulates and stretches the bladder wall. The sensation of pressure is a common symptom that patients report, indicating their difficulty in fully emptying the bladder.

While other symptoms can also be present, they are not as directly correlated with prostatic hypertrophy as the feeling of pressure resulting from retained urine. For instance, decreased urine output could be a result of retention but is not a definitive finding specifically associated with prostatic hypertrophy, as some patients may still produce a normal amount of urine. Clear urine typically suggests adequate hydration and absence of infection, which may not apply in this case. Frequent urination with large volumes may suggest a different urinary condition, such as diabetes or diuresis, which is not characteristic of urinary retention due to an enlarged prostate. Therefore, the report of feeling pressure stands out as a significant indication of urinary retention in this clinical context.