What finding is associated with urinary retention?

Urinary retention often leads to the accumulation of urine in the bladder, resulting in physical changes that are noticeable externally. A common finding associated with this condition is a swollen lower abdomen. As the bladder fills beyond its normal capacity, it can cause distension of the bladder wall and subsequently lead to abdominal swelling. This distension can be palpated, making the swollen lower abdomen a clear indicator of urinary retention.

In contrast, foul-smelling urine typically indicates infection or the presence of certain foods and substances in the urine, while frequent urination usually suggests an overly active bladder rather than retention. Pain during urination is often associated with irritation or infection of the urinary tract, rather than the retention of urine itself. The swelling noted in the abdomen is a direct reflection of the physiological impact that retention has on the body, making it the most pertinent finding in this context.