Urinary System Pathologies
Key Concepts
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NR507 Week 4 edapt: Urinary System Pathologies: Common Diseases and
Disorders Urinary Tract Infections/ Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy/ Renal
Calculi/ Urinary Incontinence/ Acute Kidney Injury/ Chronic Kidney Disease
Urinary Tract Infections
Upper UTIs occur in organs that are above the urinary bladder and include
ureter infections and pyelonephritis (kidney infection).
Cystitis (bladder infection), urethritis (infection of the urethra), and prostatitis
(infection of the prostate) occur in the lower urinary tract.
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Pathophysiology of Urinary Tract Infections
The most common organisms that cause urinary tract infection (UTI)
are Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Proteus
mirabilis, and Klebsiella. E. coli causes approximately 80% of the
cases of UTI as it is the most common organism contained in fecal matter
that is easily accessible from the anus to the urethra.
???The sequence of events starts with the bacteria entering the urethra and
end with the client having symptoms of infection. The correct order is:
1. Bacteria enter the lower urinary tract
2. An inflammatory response is triggered
3. Neutrophils arrive
4. Bacteria continue to multiply
5. Biofilm forms
6. Bacteria adhere to the bladder wall
7. Client experiences pain with urination
Urinary Tract Infection Clinical Manifestations
1. Frequent Urination: Increased urge to urinate, often with the feeling of incomplete emptying
is associated with a bladder infection due to inflammation of the bladder and urethra.
2. Painful Urination: Discomfort or a burning sensation during urination is associated with
inflammation of the bladder and urethra (lower UTI).
3. Urgency: A sudden and intense need to urinate is associated with inflammation of the bladder
and urethra (lower UTI).
4. Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen can be caused by an
infection anywhere in the urinary tract.
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5. Pelvic Pain: Pain in the pelvic area is associated with a bladder infection, especially in women
with a bladder infection.
6. Cloudy or Strong-Smelling Urine: Changes in the appearance or odor of urine can be
caused by an infection anywhere in the urinary tract.
7. Blood in Urine (Hematuria): The presence of blood, giving the urine a pink or reddish color
can be caused by an infection anywhere in the urinary tract.
8. Fever: In some cases, a UTI can be accompanied by a systemic fever.
9. Back Pain: Pain in the lower back is associated with an infection in the kidneys. Assessment
for pain or tenderness at the costovertebral angle (CVA) can increase both pain and
inflammation and should be part of a routine assessment.
10. Fatigue: Feeling tired or generally unwell can be caused by an infection anywhere in the
urinary tract.
11. Discomfort or Pain During Sex: Women with bladder or urethra infections may experience
pain or discomfort during sexual activity.
Symptoms of infection, including fatigue, bacteria in the urine, and an
elevated temperature, may be present for any infection, including lower UTI,
upper UTI, and STI. Note: The presence of bacteria in the urine from an STI
may indicate contamination of the urine sample.
Foul smelling urine and painful urination can be present with both lower and
upper UTI.
Pelvic pain is more likely to be present in a female with a lower UTI or STI.
An urgency to void is associated with lower UTI.
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