Question

A 23 year-old G1P1 delivered vaginally a 42-week infant after a prolonged induction of labor. She had an epidural, with an indwelling catheter for 36 hours and three IV sites for her intravenous medications. She now complains of lower abdominal pain, frequency and dysuria. Her vital signs are temperature 98.6°F , 37°C; pulse 70; blood pressure 100/60; and respirations 12. On examination, her lungs are clear, cardiac exam is normal, abdomen is soft, uterine fundus is firm and nontender, and she has mild suprapubic tenderness. Which of the following organisms is most likely causing her discomfort?

1) Group A streptococcus
2) Gardnerella vaginalis
3) Chlamydia trachomatis
4) Escherichia coli
5) Group B Streptococcus

Answer 1

The 23-year-old woman is most likely suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), given her symptoms of lower abdominal pain, frequency, and dysuria following a prolonged labor with an indwelling catheter and multiple IVs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 23-year-old G1P1 who delivered vaginally a 42-week infant and complains of lower abdominal pain, frequency, and dysuria most likely has a urinary tract infection (UTI). Given the recent medical history including an epidural, an indwelling catheter for 36 hours, and multiple IV sites, the symptoms suggest a UTI rather than the other listed conditions. The most common organism causing UTI in such scenarios is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which typically arises from the patient's own gastrointestinal flora and accesses the urinary tract.