Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
1. Definition:
• A bacterial infection affecting any part of the urinary system, including the
kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
2. Etiology:
• Mainly caused by the invasion of pathogenic bacteria into the urinary tract.
• Common causative agents include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella, and
Enterococcus.
3. Risk Factors:
• Female gender (due to shorter urethra).
• Urinary tract abnormalities.
• Catheterization.
• Sexual activity.
• Diabetes.
• Immunodeficiency.
• Advanced age.
• Obstruction in the urinary tract.
4. Manifestations:
• Urgency and frequency of urination.
• Dysuria (painful urination).
• Hematuria (blood in the urine).
• Lower abdominal pain or discomfort.
• Fever and chills.
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
5. Diagnostic Tests:
• Urinalysis: Detects the presence of white blood cells, bacteria, and other
abnormalities.
• Urine Culture and Sensitivity: Identifies the specific bacteria and determines
antibiotic sensitivity.
• Blood tests: Elevated white blood cell count indicating infection.
• Imaging studies (if needed): To identify structural abnormalities.
6. Medical Management:
• Antibiotic therapy: Targeted at the specific bacteria identified in urine culture.
• Analgesics: To alleviate pain and discomfort.
• Increased fluid intake: Flushes bacteria from the urinary system.
• Antipyretics: For fever management.
7. Nursing Interventions:
• Promote Hydration: Encourage increased fluid intake to flush out bacteria.
• Administer Medications: Ensure timely and correct administration of prescribed
antibiotics and analgesics.
• Monitor Vital Signs: Especially temperature, to assess response to treatment.
• Educate on Personal Hygiene: Emphasize the importance of maintaining good
perineal hygiene.
• Encourage Complete Antibiotic Course: Stress the importance of finishing the
entire prescribed antibiotic course.
• Assess and Manage Pain: Implement strategies to alleviate dysuria and
discomfort.