A 60-year-old male patient presents with difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and increased frequency. What condition is most likely indicated?

Study for the Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking Exam. Prepare with multiple-choice questions, featuring hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

The symptoms described in the scenario—difficulty starting urination, a weak urinary stream, and increased frequency—are classic indicators of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition is characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can compress the urethra and lead to urinary obstructive symptoms.

In middle-aged and older males, BPH is common and results in the gradual development of these symptoms due to the prostate's influence on urinary flow. The difficulty in starting urination, along with a weak stream and increased frequency, align perfectly with this diagnosis.

In contrast, prostatitis typically presents with pain, discomfort, or fever, and may not primarily cause the obstructive symptoms noted here. A urinary tract infection is more likely to cause urinary urgency, burning sensations, or potential hematuria rather than the specific obstructive symptoms outlined. Lastly, bladder stones can lead to similar urinary issues but are often associated with more significant pain or hematuria, which the patient does not report.

Thus, considering the common symptoms and the context of the patient's age, BPH is the most likely condition indicated in this case.

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