Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

Catheterization is the best initial intervention for acute urinary retention, especially in the context of benign prostatic hyperplasia, providing immediate relief from the retention and preventing further complications. Administering analgesics, while important for managing pain, does not address the underlying issue of retention. Diagnostic imaging may be useful for underlying pathology but does not provide the immediate relief required in acute urinary retention. Fluid administration is contraindicated as it could exacerbate the retention.