Which term describes the inability to empty the bladder completely?

Which term describes the inability to empty the bladder completely?

• A. Excessive urine production.
• B. Inability to empty the bladder completely.
• C. Inability to store urine in the bladder.
• D. Increased risk of kidney stones.

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is a term for trouble with emptying the bladder. When the bladder cannot be fully empties after urination, urine remains, which is called urinary retention. This can happen due to a mechanical blockage, such as an enlarged prostate, or due to problems with bladder muscle (detrusor) contraction or the nerves that control it. Signs can include a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, needing to push or strain, and feeling of incomplete emptying. Why this term fits best: it directly describes the inability to empty the bladder completely, which is exactly what the question defines. These other choices describe different issues: producing too much urine is polyuria, which is about volume of urine rather than emptiness; inability to store urine points to urinary incontinence, not a failure to empty; while kidney stones are a separate condition that can cause pain or obstruction, they are not the term for not being able to empty the bladder.

The concept being tested is a term for trouble with emptying the bladder. When the bladder cannot be fully empties after urination, urine remains, which is called urinary retention. This can happen due to a mechanical blockage, such as an enlarged prostate, or due to problems with bladder muscle (detrusor) contraction or the nerves that control it. Signs can include a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, needing to push or strain, and feeling of incomplete emptying.

Why this term fits best: it directly describes the inability to empty the bladder completely, which is exactly what the question defines.

These other choices describe different issues: producing too much urine is polyuria, which is about volume of urine rather than emptiness; inability to store urine points to urinary incontinence, not a failure to empty; while kidney stones are a separate condition that can cause pain or obstruction, they are not the term for not being able to empty the bladder.