Master Urinary Tract Infection Prevention and Treatment (OLD VERSION) with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Urinary tract infection is inflammation of the bladder caused from an infection, obstruction, or other irritants in the urethra. A common ways to acquire a UTI is from not taking a shower after having sex, a good way to prevent this is to take a shower after sex. Wiping front to back decreases the risk for “bad” bacteria to enter the vagina. It is important for the nurse to measure the patient’s intake and output to ensure they are drinking and excreting enough fluids. The patient should also be encouraged to drink cranberry juice, which acidifies the urine, and to drink plenty of fluids to flush the bacteria out of the patient’s urinary tract. Encourage the patient to void every 2-4 hours to help flush the bacteria out of the patient’s urinary tract. It is important the patient avoids caffeine because it stimulates bladder contractions, which can cause increased pain and discomfort for the patient. Once the patient begins taking antibiotics it is important they see their doctor for a follow up appointment in two weeks to ensure the infections is subsiding.