CAUTI Flashcards
What is the most common risk factor for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI)?
Prolonged use of an indwelling urinary catheter.
What are the common symptoms of CAUTI?
Fever, suprapubic tenderness, cloudy urine, pyuria, positive nitrites and leukocyte esterase on urinalysis.
How is CAUTI diagnosed?
Urinalysis with pyuria and bacteriuria, along with clinical symptoms (fever, suprapubic tenderness). Urine culture confirms the causative pathogen.
What is the first step in managing CAUTI?
Remove or replace the indwelling urinary catheter to eliminate the source of infection.
What is the first-line empiric antibiotic for severe CAUTI or suspected sepsis?
IV cefepime (4th-generation cephalosporin) for broad-spectrum coverage, including Pseudomonas.
What is an alternative antibiotic for CAUTI if Pseudomonas is NOT suspected?
IV amoxicillin-clavulanate or oral ciprofloxacin, depending on local resistance patterns.
When should fluconazole be considered in CAUTI treatment?
Fluconazole is used for fungal CAUTI (Candida spp.), typically in immunocompromised patients or those with prior antibiotic use.
What are the most common organisms causing CAUTI?
Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
When is a renal ultrasound indicated in suspected CAUTI?
Renal ultrasound is indicated if there are signs of complicated UTI (e.g., urinary obstruction, nephrolithiasis, or persistent symptoms despite antibiotics).
What is the best method for preventing CAUTI?
Minimizing catheter use, early removal of catheters, sterile insertion technique, and routine catheter care.
