Which condition is indicated by a distended bladder?

A distended bladder is primarily indicative of urinary retention. This condition occurs when the bladder is unable to adequately empty itself during urination, resulting in a buildup of urine. The distension is caused by overfilling of the bladder, which may be due to various factors, including obstruction of the urinary tract, nerve problems, or certain medications that impair bladder function.

In contrast, urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine and is not characterized by the bladder being full, but rather an inability to control urine flow. Kidney failure relates more to the overall decline in kidney function affecting waste elimination but does not directly cause bladder distension. Kidney stones may lead to blockage and potentially result in urinary retention, but they are not the primary condition indicated by a distended bladder. Therefore, among the provided choices, urinary retention is the condition directly associated with the presence of a distended bladder.