Overview of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) | Nursing Diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections have different names, depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected. (nlm.nih.gov)
- Bladder -- an infection in the bladder is also called cystitis or a bladder infection
- Kidneys -- an infection of one or both kidneys is called pyelonephritis or a kidney infection
- Ureters -- the tubes that take urine from each kidney to the bladder are only rarely the site of infection
- Urethra -- an infection of the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside is called urethritis
Urinary tract infection occurs when an infecting organism, typically a gram negative bacteria such as E. coli, enters the urinary tract. Inflammation of the local area occurs, followed by infection as the organism reproduces. Often the bacteria is present on the skin in the genital area and enters the urinary tract through the urethral opening. The organism can also be introduced during sexual contact. The infection occurs as an uncomplicated, community-acquired infection in this setting. Patients with a urinary catheter in place may also develop an infection due to the presence of the catheter which allows a pathway for the bacteria to enter the bladder.
Instrumentation of the urinary tract, e.g. cystoscopy, also allows a pathway for bacteria to enter the bladder. Some of the instruments are not completely sterilized between patients; they are treated with a high-level disinfectant due to fiberoptics and lenses within because they would not withstand the high temperatures needed to sterilize. These infections would be considered nosocomial.
Prognosis of Urinary Tract Infection| Nursing Diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infections that are identified are typically treated and resolve. Some bacteria have become resistant to certain antibiotics, so testing the urine to be sure the infection has cleared after treatment is a good idea. Infections that are left untreated can progress and travel upward through the urinary tract to involve the kidneys or become a systemic infection or sepsis, especially in elderly or infirm patients.
Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection | Nursing Diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection
- Frequency due to irritation of bladder muscles
- Urgency due to irritation of bladder muscles
- Dysuria due to irritation of mucosal lining
- Feeling of fullness in suprapubic area
- Low back pain
Interpreting Test Result of Urinary Tract Infection | Nursing Diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection
- Urinalysis shows leukocytes, nitrites, and red blood cells.
- Urine culture and sensitivity indicates the infecting organism and the appropriate antibiotic to treat the infection.
Nursing Diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection: Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection
Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection | Nursing Diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection
- Administer antibiotics: nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, amoxicillin.
- Encourage fluids, to make urine less concentrated.
- Administer phenazopyridine for symptoms of dysuria.
- Repeat urine testing after antibiotics are completed.
Nursing Diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Nursing Interventions
Most Common Nursing Diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection
- Risk of impaired urinary elimination
- Risk of urge urinary incontinence
Nursing Interventions for Urinary Tract Infection
- Monitor intake and output.
- Monitor vital signs for changes, signs of fever.
- Encourage fluid intake.
- Encourage cranberry juice to acidify urine.
- Teach patient that phenazopyridine will cause orange-colored urine.
Other resources for nursing diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection:
This is a sample of Medical Surgical Nursing: nursing diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).