Which test is used to assess suspected urinary retention?

Which test is used to assess suspected urinary retention?

• A. Serum creatinine
• B. Post-void residual measurement and bladder ultrasound
• C. Urinalysis
• D. Serum calcium

Answer: (B)

When evaluating suspected urinary retention, the goal is to determine how much urine remains in the bladder after voiding. Post-void residual measurement using a bladder ultrasound provides a quick, noninvasive way to quantify that residual volume. If a significant amount of urine remains after urinating, this supports retention and helps distinguish it from normal voiding patterns or other urinary issues like urge incontinence. The bladder scan also offers information about bladder size and wall appearance, which can further inform the underlying cause, such as obstruction or impaired detrusor function. Serum creatinine reflects kidney function and can be influenced by many factors, but it does not measure how well the bladder empties. Urinalysis looks for infection, stones, or blood but doesn’t assess residual urine. Serum calcium is not used to evaluate voiding function. Therefore, post-void residual measurement with bladder ultrasound is the most direct test to assess suspected urinary retention.

When evaluating suspected urinary retention, the goal is to determine how much urine remains in the bladder after voiding. Post-void residual measurement using a bladder ultrasound provides a quick, noninvasive way to quantify that residual volume. If a significant amount of urine remains after urinating, this supports retention and helps distinguish it from normal voiding patterns or other urinary issues like urge incontinence. The bladder scan also offers information about bladder size and wall appearance, which can further inform the underlying cause, such as obstruction or impaired detrusor function.

Serum creatinine reflects kidney function and can be influenced by many factors, but it does not measure how well the bladder empties. Urinalysis looks for infection, stones, or blood but doesn’t assess residual urine. Serum calcium is not used to evaluate voiding function. Therefore, post-void residual measurement with bladder ultrasound is the most direct test to assess suspected urinary retention.