Final answer:
When a patient is admitted with a UTI, both the signs and symptoms should be reported. This comprehensive reporting helps in diagnosing the UTI accurately and in prescribing the appropriate treatment to prevent complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient is admitted with a urinary tract infection (UTI), it is important to report both the signs and symptoms of the infection. Signs are objective indicators of a disease that can be measured or observed, such as fever or blood in the urine, while symptoms are subjective feelings described by the patient, such as pain or burning during urination. Reporting both provides a comprehensive picture of the patient's health and aids in accurate diagnosis and treatment. For instance, common symptoms of a UTI might include a burning feeling when urinating, a frequent or intense urge to urinate, pain in the back or side below the ribs, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. On the other hand, signs that healthcare workers may observe include fever, chills, or the presence of white and red blood cells or bacteria in a urine sample, which are common indicators of a UTI.
Treating UTIs usually involves a course of antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, and may require a urine culture to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection. Reporting the full range of signs and symptoms is also crucial for preventing complications, such as kidney damage or septicemia, which can occur if a UTI is left untreated or is not treated properly.