Urinary Systems Pathologies -
Understanding UTIs and Their Management
on Key Concepts
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URINARY SYSTEMS
PATHOLOGIES:COMMON DISEASES
AND DISORDERS
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Introduction to Urinary Tract
Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can affect the kidneys, bladder, or
urethra. UTIs can be managed in most instances with antibiotics.
The severity of the infection often increases with kidney
involvement; therefore, prompt identification and treatment of UTIs
are essential.
This learning module focuses on disease processes associated with
urinary tract infections and enables you to meet the following
course outcomes:
CO 1: Analyze pathophysiologic mechanisms associated with
selected disease states across the lifespan.
CO 2: Examine the way in which homeostatic, adaptive, and
compensatory physiological mechanisms can be supported
and/or altered through specific therapeutic interventions
across the lifespan.
CO 3: Distinguish risk factors associated with selected disease
states across the lifespan.
CO 4: Integrate advanced pathophysiological concepts in the
diagnosis and treatment of health problems in selected
populations.
diagnosis and treatment of health problems in selected
populations.
Severity of Urinary Tract Infection
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For each description of a urinary tract infection (UTI), click to specify if the factor is more likely
associated with a complicated or uncomplicated UTI.
Complicated UTI Uncomplicated UTI
Occurs in a normal urinary tract x
Caused by untreated cystitis x
Responds well to oral x
antibiotics
Occurs in an
immunocompromised x
individual
Infection beyond the bladder x
Associated with indwelling
x
urinary catheters
Severity Rationale
Occurs in a normal Uncomplicate An uncomplicated UTI indicates
urinary tract d that the urinary tract and renal
function is normal.
Caused by untreated Complicated An infection of the lower urinary
cystitis tract can progress to an upper
urinary tract infection if the
bacteria ascends from the bladder
to the kidney, causing
pyelonephritis.
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Severity Rationale
Responds well to oral Uncomplicate An uncomplicated, symptomatic
antibiotics d UTI (cystitis) will typically require
a 3-7 day course of appropriate
antibiotic therapy, often oral.
Occurs in an Complicated An immunocompromised
immunocompromised individual’s immune system is
individual less effective against infectious
organisms.
Infection beyond the Complicated An infection of the kidney can
bladder cause acute renal failure if left
untreated.
Associated with Complicated The catheter may introduce
indwelling urinary bacteria that colonize and form
catheters biofilms, which promote survival
and allow them to cling to
surfaces.
Upper Urinary Tract Infections
Which of the following are upper urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
Select all that apply.
Ureter infection
Pyelonephritis
Prostatitis
Cystitis
Urethritis
Upper UTIs occur in organs that are above the urinary bladder and
include ureter infections and pyelonephritis (kidney infection).
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