A classic physical finding distinguishing acute prostatitis from chronic prostatitis is:

A classic physical finding distinguishing acute prostatitis from chronic prostatitis is:

• A. An enlarged, non-tender prostate
• B. A markedly enlarged, tender, warm, boggy prostate
• C. A small, shrunken prostate
• D. A nontender, firm prostate without warmth

Answer: (C)

Acute prostatitis inflames the gland, so the exam finding is a prostate that is swollen, very tender, and often warm or boggy. This reflects acute edema and inflammatory infiltration. In contrast, chronic prostatitis tends to leave the gland with long-standing changes like fibrosis and scarring, which can make it feel smaller or shrunken and less tender. So, a small, shrunk prostate on exam points toward chronic prostatitis rather than the acute form, because the acute state produces swelling and marked tenderness, while chronic changes can lead to a reduced gland size.

Acute prostatitis inflames the gland, so the exam finding is a prostate that is swollen, very tender, and often warm or boggy. This reflects acute edema and inflammatory infiltration. In contrast, chronic prostatitis tends to leave the gland with long-standing changes like fibrosis and scarring, which can make it feel smaller or shrunken and less tender. So, a small, shrunk prostate on exam points toward chronic prostatitis rather than the acute form, because the acute state produces swelling and marked tenderness, while chronic changes can lead to a reduced gland size.