Which symptom would indicate the need for immediate assessment in urinary retention due to BPH?

• A. Normal bladder scan
• B. Urinalysis shows infection
• C. Bladder distention and discomfort
• D. Persistent urge to void without distention

Answer: (C)

In urinary retention from BPH, the key urgent signal is that the bladder is overfilled and there’s real discomfort from that fullness. When the bladder becomes distended, it means urine is not being released despite the body's cues to void, and this can lead to pain, detrusor muscle damage, and potential kidney problems if not addressed promptly. That combination of a visibly full, tender bladder and patient discomfort is what pushes the situation from a routine issue to an immediate assessment need.

A normal bladder scan suggests there isn’t retention, so it doesn’t indicate a need for urgent evaluation. Finding an infection on urinalysis is important for treatment, but it doesn’t by itself show that urine is currently being blocked or that the bladder is distended. A persistent urge to void without any distention points more to bladder overactivity or urge symptoms rather than acute retention with a full bladder.