Urinary Tract Infections - Research Paper Example

? Urinary Tract Infections December 7, Urinary Tract Infections Urinary tract infections are infections that take placewithin the urinary system. The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. While urinary tract infections normally affect the bladder and urethra, which is the lower urinary tract, it is possible for any part of the urinary tract to be infected. The location of the infection is usually dependent on how severe the infection is; the more serious the infection is, the further into the urinary tract it spreads, eventually reaching the kidneys. Furthermore, there are also three types of urinary tract infections, with each one affecting a certain organ, and they are as follows: urethritis is when the urethra is affected, cystitis is when the bladder is affected, and pyelonephritis is when the infection has traveled up the ureters and attacks the kidneys. The most common causative agent of urinary tract infections is uropathogenic Escherichia coli, or E. coli. However, there are also more rare causative agents in regard to urinary tract infections, and they include Proteus mirabilis, S. Aureus, S. saprophyticus, Group B streptococci, Enterococci, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter, Proteus spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The causative agents vary based on the types of urinary tract infections, which are cystitis, urethritis, and pyelonephritis, as well as the gender affected by the infection. While these causative agents arise on a few occasions, since E. coli is the most frequent causative agent, it will receive the most attention in this report. E. coli is a “Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms (Manning, 2005).” The majority of E. coli strains are innocuous, with the harmless strains providing the body with vitamin K2 and hindering the formation of pathogenic bacteria inside the intestine, but there are serotypes that are capable of causing illnesses or infections. E. coli bacterium are a typical part of the normal flora of the intestines, though strains are capable of becoming virulent, which prompts the development of urinary tract infections. The urinary tract is the most typical site of E. coli infections, with approximately 90% of all urinary tract infections being caused by E. coli strains (Madappa, 2011). The sole portal of entrance for bacteria in both males and females is the urethra, but due to a male’s anatomy, they have a more difficult time in developing a urinary tract infection. Women are more susceptible to developing a urinary tract infection due to the ease at which the bacteria can enter the urethra and gradually move its way into the bladder as the urethra is within close proximity of the vagina and the anus. The most common mode of transmission is when an individual, after urinating or a bowel movement, wipes from back to front, which spreads bacteria from the anus to the urethra. Sexual intercourse can also transfer bacteria from the anal-vaginal area to the urethra, which has prompted many doctors to label urinary tract infections as sexually transmitted diseases, though this is seldom the case. There are many methods in which a urinary tract infection can be developed. As aforementioned, the bacteria E. coli plays a large role. When an individual does not wipe properly after a bowel movement, they risk spreading E. coli from the rectum to the urethra. Pregnancy can cause a urinary tract infection during a vaginal birth, which can “cause trauma to the bladder, preventing urine from being expelled (Mobley &Warren, 1996).” Menopause brings about changes in hormones that have the ability to cause physical changes, thus making it easier for a woman to develop a urinary tract infection. Finally, a person can develop a urinary tract infection if they have kidney stones, which can block the bladder, preventing urination. The signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection differ depending on where the infection is located and how severe the infection is. When the infection is centered in the urethra, the most common symptom is burning while urinating. If the infection has reached the bladder, symptoms can include pelvic pressure, blood in the urine, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. When a urinary tract infection has reached the kidneys, the symptoms become more severe, and include intense pain in the upper back and side, high fever, vomiting, and chills. General symptoms, regardless of the location or severity, include frequency in urinating, urine that appears cloudy or red, which is a sign that there is blood in the urine, and urine that is strong smelling. There are four methods of diagnosing that doctors implement to determine if an individual has a urinary tract infection. The first method is by analyzing a urine sample from the patient. The doctor collects the urine sample, which is normally done by the individual, and then analyzes the sample in a laboratory to determine if the sample contains pus, bacteria, or red blood cells. The second diagnostic method involves growing urinary tract bacteria in a laboratory, also known as a urine culture. The urine sample of the individual would be used to grow bacteria, which would reveal to the doctor what bacteria are causing the infection. The third method is to create images of the individual’s urinary tract by means of an ultrasound or computerized tomography. However, this method is only used when doctors believe that an abnormality in the urinary tract is causing the infection (Kunin, 2006). The fourth and final method is known as a cystoscopy, which is a procedure that involves the doctor inserting a cystoscope into the urethra and through to the bladder. Again, this method is implemented more when the infections are severe and recurrent. To treat a urinary tract infection, the majority of patients are given antibiotics based on the location and severity of their infection. A simple urinary tract infection can be treated with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin. The antibiotics are taken until the symptoms have subsided. Frequent infections are usually treated with the same antibiotics as simple infections, though the regimen is lengthier. Simple and frequent urinary infections can also be treated with home remedies of cranberry juice, blackberries, or blueberries, which help to kill bacteria in the urinary tract and prevent the bacteria from attaching themselves to the walls of the urinary tract. A severe urinary tract infection, such as one that has reached the kidneys, can be treated with hospitalization and intravenous medications. Regardless of the severity of the infection, most doctors prescribe a pain medication, analgesic, to numb the bladder and urethra to make urinating less painful. Nursing consideration and intervention can also make the treatment process of a urinary tract infection more bearable and successful. Nursing consideration and intervention can include regulating the dispensing of the appropriate antibiotics, aiding the patient in a sitz bath if the patient experiences perineal discomfort, and encouraging the patient to increase the amount of fluids that they drink to promote urination (“Nursing interventions,” 2010). The primary goal that a nurse has is to ensure that the patient is comfortable during the treatment processes. Preventing the development of urinary tract infections is simple and focuses primarily on proper hygiene. After urination and a bowel movement, the individual needs to wipe from front to back, which prevents bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra. Individuals, especially females, should use the restroom soon after intercourse, and should drink water to help expel bacteria. Females need to refrain from using irritating feminine products, such as those with scents, which are capable of irritating the urethra. For both males and females, to prevent a urinary tract infection, drinking plenty of water will dilute the urine and allow the individual to urine more frequently, dispelling bacteria before an infection can begin. Cranberry juice can also be added into the water regimen due to its abilities to prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. References Kunin, C. M. (2006). Urinary tract infections: Detection, prevention, and management (5th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins. Madappa, T. (2011, November 15). Escherichia coli infections: Pathophysiology. Medscape. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from emedicine.medscape.com/article/217485-overview#a0104 Manning, S. D. (2005). Escherichia coli infections. Philadelphia: Chelsea House. Mobley, H. L., & Warren, J. W. (1996). Urinary tract infections: Molecular pathogenesis and clinical management. Washington, D.C.: ASM Press. Nursing interventions: Nursing care plans for urinary tract infections. (2010, May 18). Lifenurses: Nursing Care Plans. Retrieved December 7, 2011, from http://www.lifenurses.com/nursing-interventions-patient-teaching-nursing-care-plans-for-urinary-tract-infections-utis/ Read More