URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Introduction

What is Urinary tract Infection?

is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys,
ureters, bladder and urethra. Most UTIs only involve the urethra and bladder, in the lower tract.
But UTIs can involve the ureters and kidneys, in the upper tract. Although upper tract UTIs are
rarer than lower tract UTIs, they’re also usually more severe

Types of Urinary tract infection

● Urethritis. This is an infection of the urethra, the hollow tube that carries urine from the
bladder to the outside of the body.
● Cystitis. This is an infection in the bladder from germs that have moved up from the
urethra.
● Pyelonephritis. This infection of the kidneys is most often a result of an infection that has
spread up the urinary tract, or from a blockage in the urinary tract. A blockage causes
urine to back up into the ureters and kidneys.

Clinical Manifestation
Upper UTIs typically cause symptoms such as:
● pain in the lower back or side
● fever or chills
● nausea or vomiting
● brain fog or overall restlessness
● bloody urine
Lower UTIs typically cause symptoms such as:
● more frequent urination
● pain, burning, or other discomfort during urination
● a sudden urge to urinate (even if you just went)
● feeling unable to empty the bladder fully
● urine that’s cloudy or slightly colored with blood
● urine that smells more pungent than usual
● abdominal or pelvic pain

RIsk factors
● A previous UTI
● Sexual activity
● Enlarged Prostate An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia
(BPH), can make it harder to fully empty the bladder. An enlarged prostate also may
block the flow of urine out of the bladder.
● Pregnancy
● Age (older adults and young children are more likely to get UTIs)
● Wiping the Wrong Way Wiping from back to front can introduce bacteria into the urinary
tract after using the toilet. Wipe from front to back instead.

Diagnostic Test

Urinalysis Intravenous pyelogram (IVP).

Cystoscopy. Kidney and bladder ultrasound.

Medical Management
● Acute pharmacologic therapy. The ideal medication for the treatment of UTI is an
antibacterial agent that eradicates bacteria from the urinary tract with minimal effects on
fecal and vaginal flora.
● Cephalexin
● ceftriaxone
● Bactrim
● Fosfomycin
● Nitrofuratoin

Nursing Responsibilities
● Encourage patient to drink fluids
● Administer antibiotic as ordered
● Encourage patient to void frequently
● Educate patient on proper wiping (from front to the back)
● Educate patient on drinking acidic juices which help deter growth of bacteria
● Take antibiotics as prescribed
● Void as soon as possible after sexual intercourse