Final answer:
The most appropriate ICD-10 code for an acute urinary tract infection caused by E. coli is N10, which stands for Acute pyelonephritis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Identification of the Clinical Code for Acute Urinary Tract Infection
The patient has been admitted with an acute urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). To code this condition properly in a clinical setting, we would refer to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. In this case, the most appropriate ICD-10 code for an acute UTI due to E. coli is 'N10 - Acute pyelonephritis', as it indicates a serious kidney infection often caused by E. coli that can travel from other parts of the urinary system. This condition could lead to systemic complications if not treated properly. Thus, the correct answer is option b) N10.
UTIs are a common infection and can be potentially life-threatening if they progress to conditions such as pyelonephritis or if they lead to complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, typically associated with a specific type of E. coli known as EHEC.