Which nursing intervention is appropriate for prevention of a urinary tract infection?
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While urinary tract infections (UTIs) are uncommon in healthy men aged under 50 years, their prevalence rises in men aged over 65 years. UTIs can be classified as uncomplicated or complicated. UTI in men is considered to be more complicated than in women, because it is often related to abnormalities of the urinary tract, such as prostatic enlargement or a urethral stricture. UTI is associated with a significant disease burden and cost to patients and healthcare organisations. It is one of the most common reasons for prescription of antibiotics in primary care; however, because antibiotic resistance is becoming increasingly widespread, it is essential that these drugs are used prudently. The main strategy for preventing UTIs in men is to avoid the use of indwelling catheters. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2018.e11039 Citation Bardsley A (2018) Assessment, management and prevention of urinary tract infections in men. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2018.e11039 Peer review This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software Correspondence
Conflict of interest None declared Published online: 27 July 2018 Want to read more?Already subscribed? Log inORUnlock full access to RCNi Plus todaySave over 50% on your first 3 monthsYour subscription package includes:
Subscribe RCN student member? Try Nursing Standard StudentAlternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now Or DiagnosisTests and procedures used to diagnose urinary tract infections include:
TreatmentAntibiotics usually are the first treatment for urinary tract infections. Your health and the type of bacteria found in your urine determine which medicine is used and how long you need to take it. Simple infectionMedicines commonly used for simple UTIs include:
The group of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones isn't commonly recommended for simple UTIs. These drugs include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin and others. The risks of these drugs generally outweigh the benefits for treating uncomplicated UTIs. In cases of a complicated UTI or kidney infection, your health care provider might prescribe a fluoroquinolone medicine if there are no other treatment options. Often, UTI symptoms clear up within a few days of starting treatment. But you may need to continue antibiotics for a week or more. Take all of the medicine as prescribed. For an uncomplicated UTI that occurs when you're otherwise healthy, your health care provider may recommend a shorter course of treatment. That may mean taking an antibiotic for 1 to 3 days. Whether a short course of treatment is enough to treat your infection depends on your symptoms and medical history. Your health care provider also may give you a pain reliever to take that can ease burning while urinating. But pain usually goes away soon after starting an antibiotic. Frequent infectionsIf you have frequent UTIs, your health care provider may recommend:
Severe infectionFor a severe UTI, you may need IV antibiotics in a hospital. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research
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Alternative medicineMany people drink cranberry juice to prevent UTIs. There's some indication that cranberry products, in either juice or tablet form, may have properties that fight an infection. Researchers continue to study the ability of cranberry juice to prevent UTIs, but results aren't final. There's little harm in drinking cranberry juice if you feel it helps you prevent UTIs, but watch the calories. For most people, drinking cranberry juice is safe. However, some people report an upset stomach or diarrhea. But don't drink cranberry juice if you're taking blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin (Jantovin). Preparing for your appointmentYour primary care provider, nurse practitioner or other health care provider can treat most UTIs. If you have frequent UTIs or a chronic kidney infection, you may be referred to a health care provider who specializes in urinary disorders. This type of doctor is called a urologist. Or you may see a health care provider who specializes in kidney disorders. This type of doctor is called a nephrologist. What you can doTo get ready for your appointment:
For a UTI, basic questions to ask your provider include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions as they occur to you during your appointment. What to expect from your doctorYour health care provider will likely ask you several questions, including:
Sept. 14, 2022 What is the most effective nursing intervention to prevent urinary tract infection?Personal hygiene. The nurse should instruct the female patient to wash the perineal area from front to back and wear only cotton underwear. Fluid intake. Increase and fluid intake is the number one intervention that could stop UTI from recurring.
What are the nursing interventions for urinary tract infection?Nursing Management. Assess the symptoms of UTI.. Encourage patient to drink fluids.. Administer antibiotic as ordered.. Encourage patient to void frequently.. Educate patient on proper wiping (from front to the back). Educate patient on drinking acidic juices which help deter growth of bacteria.. Take antibiotics as prescribed.. Which of the following is recommended to prevent urinary tract infection?Drink plenty of water, and relieve yourself often.
The simplest way to prevent a UTI is to flush bacteria out of the bladder and urinary tract before it can set in. If you're well-hydrated, it will be tough to go too long without urinating.
What can a nursing assistant do to help prevent urinary tract infections?There are a few ways that CNAs can help decrease the incidents of UTIs in long-term care facilities and hospitals.. Offering toileting assistance to patients every 2-4 hours. ... . Offer plenty of water, frequently. ... . Provide proper catheter care, including excellent hand hygiene.. |