Urodynamic tests: client preparation, assessment, and follow-up.

Numerous types of voiding dysfunctions affect patients in all medical and surgical specialties. Recognition, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment or management of voiding dysfunctions have increasingly become the responsibility of many primary health care providers. Urodynamics is a series of neurourologic diagnostic procedures designed to aid in the diagnosis of many types of voiding problems.

Leak point pressures in women with urinary stress incontinence: correlation with patient history.

Purpose: We examined the relationship between historical factors in women with urinary stress incontinence and the Valsalva leak point pressure.

Materials And Methods: Valsalva leak point pressure measurements in 57 women with urinary stress incontinence were compared to findings in the history.

Results: Valsalva leak point pressure was low in 83% of women with severe leakage and previous surgery.

Evaluation of bladder filling.

Urodynamics is the term used for a set of diagnostic tests that measure lower urinary tract function. A variety of tests may be performed, either alone or in combination. Cystometry is the method by which the pressure-volume relationship of the bladder is measured.

The significance of prostatic specific antigen in men with prostate disease. An elevated PSA level may indicate prostate cancer--and it may not.

Prostatic specific antigen is the best tumor marker available to monitor efficacy of treatment in men with diagnosed prostate disease, specifically prostate cancer. Because so many variables affect PSA results and interpretation, it is a primary nursing responsibility to be aware of these variables.

The nurse's role as investigation coordinator in a drug research study.

In summary, for a smooth running investigational study, the following are essential: 1) clear and concise understanding of the protocol and its criteria, 2) methods for subject recruitment and screening, 3) meetings with all involved ancillary departments and professional staff, 4) development and utilization of time-saving checklists, patient instruction sheets, and other forms, and 5) careful assessment and explicit documentation.

Transrectal ultrasonography in prostatic carcinoma.

Transrectal ultrasonography of the prostate is a diagnostic technique allowing visualization of the internal anatomy of the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, and the prostatic urethra. Although there is still considerable controversy about its reliability, indications for transrectal prostatic ultrasonography include the following: diagnosis of prostate cancer, guidance of transrectal needle biopsies, guidance of staging biopsies, staging previously diagnosed prostate cancers, monitoring treatment response, and assessing glandular size and volume.

The safety and efficacy of terazosin for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The efficacy and safety of terazosin was evaluated in 28 normotensive patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) ranging in age between 52-72 years. The parameters utilized to assess the efficacy of terazosin included peak and mean urinary flow rate, micturition symptom score and the patients' global assessment of symptomatic improvement. The dose of terazosin was titrated to 5 mg/day over a one-month interval, provided significant adverse drug reactions were not observed.