National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What other medical condition is known for causing difficulty in urination and is associated with an enlarged prostate?

1. Nephrolithiasis

2. Pyelonephritis

3. Prostatitis

4. Benign prostatic hyperplasia

The correct answer is: Benign prostatic hyperplasia

An enlarged prostate is specifically associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition involves the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can impede the flow of urine by compressing the urethra. As the prostate enlarges, it creates mechanical obstruction, leading to symptoms such as difficulty in starting urination, weak urine stream, and increased frequency of urination, especially at night. In contrast, nephrolithiasis refers to kidney stones, which can cause difficulty in urination, but primarily due to blockage rather than direct enlargement of the prostate. Pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidney, also does not cause an enlarged prostate but may lead to urinary symptoms due to urinary tract infection. Prostatitis, while it does involve inflammation of the prostate and can cause difficulty urinating, is different from BPH, which is a structural enlargement of the prostate and is primarily responsible for the particular symptoms associated with urinary obstruction. Thus, benign prostatic hyperplasia is the condition most commonly linked to the difficulties in urination due to prostate enlargement.