Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary Tract Infections
Academic Level: Bachelor
Paper details
Week 10: Renal and Urologic Systems
Disorders of the renal and urologic systems can sometimes pose difficulties in the clinical setting. Patients are often hesitant to seek treatment for
symptoms of these disorders because they might be embarrassed or uncomfortable with associated questions and physical examinations. When
treating and managing disorders of these systems, it is important for advanced practice nurses to recognize that the causes and/or habits that lead
to the disorders can vary significantly between not just children and adults, but also between females and males. Additionally, the consequences of
the disorders can vary significantly among different patient groups, making it essential to be able to identify renal and urologic disorders and
recommend appropriate treatment options.
Discussion: Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria—most often Escherichia coli. However, certain viruses, fungi, and parasites can also lead to
infection. The infection can affect the lower and upper urinary tract, including the urethra, prostate (in males), bladder, ureter, and kidney. Due to
the progression of the disease and human anatomy, symptoms present differently among the sexes as well as among age groups. It is important to
understand how these factors, as well as others, impact the pathophysiology of UTIs. Advanced practice nurses must have this foundation in order
to properly diagnose patients.
To Prepare
• Review Chapter 30 in the Huether and McCance text. Identify the pathophysiology of lower and upper urinary tract infections. Consider the
similarities and differences between the two types of infections.
• Select two of the following patient factors: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior. Reflect on how the factors you selected might impact the
pathophysiology of the infections, as well as the diagnosis of and treatment for the infections.