Question

A woman with no history of UTIs who is experiencing urgency, frequency, and dysuria comes to the clinic, where a dipstick and microscopic urinalysis indicate bacteriuria. What should the nurse anticipate for this patient?

a. Obtaining a clean-catch midstream urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
b. No treatment with medication unless she develops fever, chills, and flank pain
c. Empirical treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX, Bactrim) for 3 days
d. Need to have a blood specimen drawn for a complete blood count (CBC) and kidney function tests

Answer 1

The nurse should anticipate obtaining a clean-catch midstream urine specimen for culture and sensitivity for the patient experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should anticipate obtaining a clean-catch midstream urine specimen for culture and sensitivity for the patient. This is because the patient is experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), and a urine culture and sensitivity test can help identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine the most effective antibiotic for treatment.

Option b, which suggests no treatment unless the patient develops additional symptoms like fever, chills, and flank pain, is incorrect because treatment should be initiated for a symptomatic UTI.

Option c, which suggests empirical treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX, Bactrim) for 3 days, is also incorrect as a urine culture and sensitivity test should be done first to guide antibiotic treatment.

Option d, which suggests the need for a blood specimen for a complete blood count (CBC) and kidney function tests, may be appropriate depending on the patient's overall condition, but it is not the most immediate action to be anticipated.