Final answer:
In a child with a urinary tract infection, a nurse may expect to find symptoms such as fever, dysuria, urgency or frequency of urination, abdominal pain, and possibly fatigue. A urine analysis can reveal white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria, supporting the diagnosis of a UTI.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse collecting data from a child with a urinary tract infection (UTI) should expect to find certain clinical symptoms and signs. UTIs are caused by the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the urinary tract and can occur more frequently in children due to the shorter distance bacteria have to travel to infect the bladder.
Common findings in a child with a UTI may include:
- Fever, which suggests the body is fighting off an infection.
- Dysuria, which is painful or difficult urination.
- Urgency or frequency of urination, as the infected bladder becomes more sensitive.
- Abdominal or flank pain, indicating the kidneys may be involved.
Additionally, a urine sample may show the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria, suggesting a UTI. Fatigue can be a nonspecific systemic response to infection. While pallor is generally less specific to UTIs, it can be present in severe infections or as a result of associated anemia.