A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection caused by pathogenic organisms (for example, bacteria, fungi, or parasites) in any of the structures that comprise the urinary tract. However, this is the broad definition of urinary tract infections; many authors prefer to use more specific terms that localize the urinary tract infection to the major structural segment involved such as urethritis (urethral infection), cystitis (bladder infection), ureter infection, and pyelonephritis (kidney infection). Other structures that eventually connect to or share close anatomic proximity to the urinary tract (for example, prostate, epididymis, and vagina) are sometimes included in the discussion of UTIs because they may either cause or be caused by UTIs. Technically, they are not UTIs and will be only briefly mentioned in this article.
UTIs are common, more common in women than men, leading to approximately 8.3 million doctor visits per year. Although some infections go unnoticed, UTIs can cause problems that range from dysuria (pain and/or burning when urinating) to organ damage and even death. The kidneys are the active organs that, during their average production of about 1.5 quarts of urine per day, function to help keep electrolytes and fluids (for example, potassium, sodium, water) in balance, assist removal of waste products (urea), and produce a hormone that aids to form red blood cells. If kidneys are injured or destroyed by infection, these vital functions can be damaged or lost.
Source : medicinenet.com
Nursing Assessment
In conducting the assessment on the client's urinary tract infection using a holistic approach that is :
Biological data include :
Medical history :
Physical Assessment :
Psychosocial History :
UTIs are common, more common in women than men, leading to approximately 8.3 million doctor visits per year. Although some infections go unnoticed, UTIs can cause problems that range from dysuria (pain and/or burning when urinating) to organ damage and even death. The kidneys are the active organs that, during their average production of about 1.5 quarts of urine per day, function to help keep electrolytes and fluids (for example, potassium, sodium, water) in balance, assist removal of waste products (urea), and produce a hormone that aids to form red blood cells. If kidneys are injured or destroyed by infection, these vital functions can be damaged or lost.
Source : medicinenet.com
Nursing Care Plan for Urinary Tract Infection
Nursing Assessment
In conducting the assessment on the client's urinary tract infection using a holistic approach that is :
Biological data include :
- The identity of the client
- The identity of insurer
Medical history :
- History of urinary tract infection
- History of kidney stones
- History of diabetes mellitus, heart.
Physical Assessment :
- Palpation bladder
- Inspection area meatus
- Assessment of color, amount, odor and clear urine
- Assessment of costovertebralis
Psychosocial History :
- Age, occupation, education
- Perceptions of disease conditions
- Coping mechanisms and support system
- Assessment of knowledge of the client and family :
- An Understanding of the cause / course of the disease
- An Understanding of the prevention, treatment and medical therapy
