Oxybutynin is prescribed for a client. What condition is this medication primarily used to treat?

Oxybutynin is primarily used to treat overactive bladder, which is characterized by symptoms such as a frequent and urgent need to urinate, incontinence, and increased urination. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics, which work by blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors in the bladder. By doing so, oxybutynin helps to decrease bladder contractions and the urgency to urinate, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients suffering from this condition.

Choosing oxybutynin for overactive bladder aligns with its pharmacological action, aimed specifically at addressing the symptoms associated with this disorder. The other conditions listed, such as urinary retention, kidney stones, and bladder infections, do not typically respond to oxybutynin as a primary treatment. For instance, urinary retention would often require different therapeutic approaches focused on stimulating bladder function rather than inhibiting it.