Final answer:
Indications for renal/bladder US with UTI include recurrent or persistent UTIs, risk factors for complications, symptoms or signs of severe infection, and evaluation for structural abnormalities or obstructions. Renal/bladder US can help identify kidney stones, obstructions, or bladder diverticula and evaluate for kidney damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
A renal/bladder ultrasound (US) may be indicated for a patient with a urinary tract infection (UTI) in certain situations. Some indications for renal/bladder US with UTI include:
- Recurrent UTIs or persistent UTIs that do not respond to treatment
- Presence of risk factors for complications, such as diabetes or immunosuppression
- Presence of symptoms or signs suggestive of a more severe infection, such as flank pain, fever, or signs of kidney involvement
- Evaluation for potential structural abnormalities or urinary tract obstructions that may predispose to UTIs
Renal/bladder US can help identify abnormalities such as kidney stones, ureteral obstructions, or bladder diverticula that may increase the risk of UTIs. It can also help evaluate the kidneys for possible scarring or damage. Ultimately, the decision to perform renal/bladder US in a patient with UTI should be based on individual patient factors and clinical judgment.