Which finding would indicate that terazosin has been effective for a patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Which finding would indicate that terazosin has been effective for a patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia?

• A. Improved urinary hesitation
• B. Decreased urinary frequency
• C. Increased urinary urgency
• D. Reduced prostate size

Answer: (A)

Terazosin works by blocking alpha-1 receptors to relax smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostatic urethra, which lowers resistance to urine flow and eases the obstructive symptoms of BPH. When the medication is effective, patients most noticeably have easier initiation of urination and an improved stream, reflected by reduced urinary hesitation. It does not shrink the prostate—that effect comes from 5-alpha reductase inhibitors—so a change like reduced prostate size would not be expected with terazosin. While decreased frequency can occur as flow improves and bladder outlet obstruction lessens, the clearest indicator of effectiveness is relief of hesitancy and improved ability to start urinating. Increased urinary urgency would not indicate a positive response to this drug.

Terazosin works by blocking alpha-1 receptors to relax smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostatic urethra, which lowers resistance to urine flow and eases the obstructive symptoms of BPH. When the medication is effective, patients most noticeably have easier initiation of urination and an improved stream, reflected by reduced urinary hesitation. It does not shrink the prostate—that effect comes from 5-alpha reductase inhibitors—so a change like reduced prostate size would not be expected with terazosin. While decreased frequency can occur as flow improves and bladder outlet obstruction lessens, the clearest indicator of effectiveness is relief of hesitancy and improved ability to start urinating. Increased urinary urgency would not indicate a positive response to this drug.