Urinary Tract Infection Flashcards
What is a UTI?
Presence of organisms in the urinary tract and signs and symptoms of inflammation.
What defines an uncomplicated UTI?
A UTI that occurs in a normal urinary tract without any structural or functional abnormalities.
What defines a complicated UTI?
UTIs in men, pregnancy, children, and those with underlying health issues.
What percentage of GP consultations are due to UTIs?
1-3% of all GP consultations per annum.
What is the most common type of hospital-acquired infection?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
What are the most common organisms causing UTIs?
- Escherichia coli
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus
- Proteus mirabilis
What characterizes a lower UTI?
Infection of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra (urethritis).
What characterizes an upper UTI?
Involves ureters or kidneys, known as acute pyelonephritis.
What are common risk factors for complicated UTIs? (11)
- Older age
- Male gender
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Immunosuppression
- Recent/frequent antibiotic use
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Frequent sexual activity
- Urinary catheter
- Abnormalities of urinary tract
What are common signs and symptoms of a lower UTI in adults?
- Dysuria
- Urinary frequency
- Urgency
- Haematuria
- Foul-smelling ± cloudy urine
- Incontinence
- Suprapubic discomfort
What are signs and symptoms of an upper UTI (pyelonephritis)?
- Fever
- Rigors
- Flank/loin/back pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Any/all symptoms of lower tract UTI.
True or False: Typical features of UTI may be absent in elderly individuals.
True.
What complications can arise from a lower UTI?
- Pyelonephritis
- Impaired renal function
- Urosepsis
- Pregnancy complications (e.g., pre-term delivery)
What are the primary investigations for diagnosing UTIs?
- Urine dipstick
- Culture & sensitivity
- Blood culture and sensitivity if systemic symptoms.
When is urine culture and sensitivity testing recommended?
- Atypical symptoms
- Older adults
- Men
- Pregnant women
- Children < 3y
- Recurrent UTI
- Resistance suspected
- Catheterized patients
- Visible or non-visible haematuria.
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 _______.
UTI.
What is the recommended management for acute uncomplicated UTI in healthy young women?
Usually resolves within a few days without treatment.
What is the first-line antibiotic for treating UTIs?
Nitrofurantoin.
What is the treatment duration for acute pyelonephritis when outpatient management is indicated?
7-10 days.
What self-care advice should be given for UTI prevention?
- Hydration
- Pain relief
- Wipe front to back.
What should a patient do if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 48 hours of taking antibiotics?
Seek medical help.
