Pathophysiology Synthesis of Shadow Health Patient: Urinary Tract Infection

HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES2 Pathophysiology Synthesis of Shadow Health Patient: Urinary Tract Infection Shadow Health Patient: Makayla Henderson Pathophysiology This Shadow Health patient presented with a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI is an infection anywhere along the urinary tract; this could be the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Usually, this occurs in the lower portion, like the bladder or urethra. Our body has natural defense mechanisms to prevent bacteria from invading our bladder. These defense mechanisms include urination, which washes away bacteria, mucous secreting cells in our urethra, and a low pH of urea. We are not always successful. Sometimes, bacteria succeed in colonizing the urinary epithelium, or lining. As women, we are often more prone to infection because our urethra is shorter, and bacteria have less of a way to climb to the bladder! The usual bacteria that cause UTIs is Escherichia coli, which is present in fecal matter. When someone does not wipe properly after a bowel movement, this bacterium can get into the urethra and cause an infection. Other bacteria might be Staphylococcus saprophyticus, which is present on the skin. Clinical Manifestations The most common signs of a UTI are lower back or flank pain, having to go to the bathroom (urinate) more frequently and urgently, pain with urination (also called dysuria), and occasionally blood in the urine (also called hematuria). Sometimes, urine will be cloudy and smell bad as well. If the UTI progresses up the urinary tract to the kidneys or renal tubules, pyelonephritis and symptoms might be fever, chills, flank pain, and very purulent urine. Diagnostic Treatments UTIs are diagnosed based on a clinical assessment. The physician or clinician will observe the patient, evaluate symptoms, and identify any risk factors (like being a woman, having diabetes, being pregnant or sexually active, or immunocompromised). Diagnosis is also based on a urinalysis to examine the urine and nitrites and white blood cells' appearance, which can indicate an infection. This study source was downloaded by from CourseH on :26:45 GMT -05:00 HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES3 Additionally, this urinalysis can be cultured to determine which bacteria are present and which antibiotic will best target the condition. Common Medications and Interactions Luckily, UTIs are relatively easy to treat, especially when caught early. Commonly, UTIs are treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. If a urine culture is performed to identify the bacteria causing the infection during a urinalysis, a targeted antibiotic can be chosen to treat the condition. The most common antibiotic for treating UTIs is Bactrim. Bactrim is a trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole antibiotic that kills the bacteria colonizing the urinary tract to restore the natural flora and stop it. Another antibiotic used if the bacteria is resistant to other antibiotics is Keflex, a cephalexin, is a potent antibiotic used to kill the bacteria. This study source was downloaded by from CourseH on :26: