Lecture on Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Pyelonephritis

Overview of UTIs

• Definition: UTI is a urinary tract infection, typically occurring in the urethra and the bladder.
• Cystitis: A type of UTI that is specifically a bladder infection.
• Pyelonephritis: A serious condition where the infection extends to the kidneys.

Signs and Symptoms

• Common Symptoms:
  • Fever
  • Dysuria: Painful or difficult urination (burning sensation during urination).
  • Urinary frequency: Constant feeling of needing to void.

Diagnostic Tests

• Urinalysis (UA):
  • Cloudy and smelly urine.
  • Presence of white blood cells (WBCs), indicating infection.
  • Key Term: Nitrites, which indicate a kidney infection.
• Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test:
  • More than 10,000 organisms per mL indicates a UTI.
  • Cultures are always taken before administering antibiotics.

Exam Tips

• For exams like NCLEX, remember to assess first before interventions.
• HESI Example: Cloudy urine specimen indicates bacteria; disuria and frequency lead to ordering a urine culture.
• Kaplan Scenario: Discard a urine specimen left sitting for 2 hours and obtain a new one.

Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection)

• Symptoms:
  • Similar to UTI but more severe.
  • Costovertebral tenderness (Key Term): Dull flank pain extending toward the umbilicus (not the groin).
  • Not sharp, unlike kidney stones.
• HESI Mention: Key indicators are a high temperature and dull flank pain.
• Action: Obtain blood and urine cultures.

Conclusion

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Acknowledgment

• Thanks to the team of experts for making the videos.