Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which maneuver is contraindicated in patients with acute prostatitis?

1. Massaging the infected prostate

2. Serial urine samples

3. Rectal exams

4. Palpation of the epididymis

The correct answer is: Massaging the infected prostate

Massaging the infected prostate is contraindicated in patients with acute prostatitis due to the potential for exacerbating the infection and causing additional discomfort. In acute prostatitis, the prostate gland is already inflamed, and applying pressure through massage can lead to bacteremia (bacteria entering the bloodstream) or worsen inflammation. Additionally, it could increase the risk of further irritation or injury to the tissue, leading to complications. In contrast, procedures like taking serial urine samples can be important for diagnosing and managing the condition, as urinalysis can help identify the presence of bacteria and guide treatment. Rectal exams, while they may cause discomfort, are often performed to assess the state of the prostate and rule out other conditions. Palpation of the epididymis may also be necessary in selected cases to evaluate for associated conditions like epididymitis. Therefore, these options do not carry the same risks associated with massaging the infected prostate.