Urinary Tract Infection

Question 1

What is a UTI?

Answer 1

Presence of organisms in the urinary tract and signs and symptoms of inflammation.

Question 2

What defines an uncomplicated UTI?

Answer 2

A UTI that occurs in a normal urinary tract without any structural or functional abnormalities.

Question 3

What defines a complicated UTI?

Answer 3

UTIs in men, pregnancy, children, and those with underlying health issues.

Question 4

What percentage of GP consultations are due to UTIs?

Answer 4

1-3% of all GP consultations per annum.

Question 5

What is the most common type of hospital-acquired infection?

Answer 5

Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Question 6

What are the most common organisms causing UTIs?

Answer 6

• Escherichia coli
• Staphylococcus saprophyticus
• Proteus mirabilis

Question 7

What characterizes a lower UTI?

Answer 7

Infection of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra (urethritis).

Question 8

What characterizes an upper UTI?

Answer 8

Involves ureters or kidneys, known as acute pyelonephritis.

Question 9

What are common risk factors for complicated UTIs?

Answer 9

• Older age
• Male gender
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• HIV
• Immunosuppression
• Recent/frequent antibiotic use
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Frequent sexual activity
• Urinary catheter
• Abnormalities of urinary tract

Question 10

What are common signs and symptoms of a lower UTI in adults?

Answer 10

• Dysuria
• Urinary frequency
• Urgency
• Haematuria
• Foul-smelling ± cloudy urine
• Incontinence
• Suprapubic discomfort

Question 11

What are signs and symptoms of an upper UTI (pyelonephritis)?

Answer 11

• Fever
• Rigors
• Flank/loin/back pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Any/all symptoms of lower tract UTI.

Question 12

True or False: Typical features of UTI may be absent in elderly individuals.

Answer 12

True.

Question 13

What complications can arise from a lower UTI?

Answer 13

• Pyelonephritis
• Impaired renal function
• Urosepsis
• Pregnancy complications (e.g., pre-term delivery)

Question 14

What are the primary investigations for diagnosing UTIs?

Answer 14

• Urine dipstick
• Culture & sensitivity
• Blood culture and sensitivity if systemic symptoms.

Question 15

When is urine culture and sensitivity testing recommended?

Answer 15

• Atypical symptoms
• Older adults
• Men
• Pregnant women
• Children < 3y
• Recurrent UTI
• Resistance suspected
• Catheterized patients
• Visible or non-visible haematuria.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the presence of significant numbers of bacteria in urine where the patient has no signs or symptoms of _______.

Answer 16

UTI.

Question 17

What is the recommended management for acute uncomplicated UTI in healthy young women?

Answer 17

Usually resolves within a few days without treatment.

Question 18

What is the first-line antibiotic for treating UTIs?

Answer 18

Nitrofurantoin.

Question 19

What is the treatment duration for acute pyelonephritis when outpatient management is indicated?

Answer 19

7-10 days.

Question 20

What self-care advice should be given for UTI prevention?

Answer 20

• Hydration
• Pain relief
• Wipe front to back.

Question 21

What should a patient do if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 48 hours of taking antibiotics?

Answer 21

Seek medical help.