Nursing care pIans for Urinary tract infections (UTs).

Urinary tract infections (UTs) are

common and usually occur because of the entry of bacteria into the urinary tract at the urethra
Nursing Assessment Nursing care pIans for Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Patients History. The patient with a UT has a variety of symptoms that range from mild to
severe. The typical complaint is of one or more of the following: frequency, burning, urgency,
nocturia, blood or pus in the urine, and suprapubic fullness. The patient may complain of urinary
urgency and frequency, dysuria, bladder cramps or spasms, itching, a feeling of warmth during
urination, nocturia. Other complaints include low back pain, malaise, nausea, vomiting, pain or
tenderness over the bladder, chills, and flank pain. nflammation of the bladder wall also causes
hematuria and fever. Ask the patient about risk factors, including recent catheterization of the
urinary tract, pregnancy or recent childbirth, neurological problems, volume depletion, frequent
sexual activity, and presence of a sexually transmitted infection (ST).
PhysicaI Examination. Physical examination is often unremarkable in the patient with a UT,
although some patients have costovertebral angle tenderness in cases of pyelonephritis. On
occasion, the patient has fever, chills, and signs of a systemic infection. nspect the urine to
determine its color, clarity, odor, and character. Surveillance for STs is recommended as part of
the examination.
Diagnostic tests Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Several tests are used to diagnose lower UTs:
O Leukocyte esterase dip test
O Clean-catch urinalysis.
O Clean-catch collection is preferred to catheterization, which can reinfect the bladder with
urethral bacteria.
O Sensitivity testing is used to determine the appropriate antimicrobial drug.
O Stained smear of urethral discharge can be used to rule out sexually transmitted disease.
O Voiding cystourethrography or excretory urography
Nursing diagnosis Nursing care pIans for Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
O Acute pain
O Deficient knowledge (prevention)
O Disturbed sleep pattern
O mpaired urinary elimination
O Risk for infection
O Risk for injury
O Sexual dysfunction
Nursing Key outcomes Nursing care pIans for Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
The patients wiII:
O Report increased comfort.
O dentify risk factors that exacerbate the disease process or condition and modify his lifestyle
accordingly.
O Verbalize feeling well rested after undisturbed periods of sleep.
O Remain free from signs or symptoms of infection.
O Avoid or minimize complications.
O Reestablish sexual activity at the preillness level.
O Patient and family will demonstrate skill in managing elimination problem.