Final answer:
Upper urinary tract infections may lead to pyelonephritis and potentially sepsis if not correctly treated. Ciprofloxacin is a common treatment, but bacterial resistance and hospital-acquired infections present challenges. Proper hygiene and careful management are critical in preventing and resolving these infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main complication of an upper urinary tract infection (UTI) is pyelonephritis, which is an infection of the kidney that can lead to severe health issues such as sepsis, where the infection spreads to the bloodstream. Medical interventions for UTIs often involve antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, but complications can arise if the bacteria are resistant to the medication, as seen with strains such as Klebsiella pneumoniae. Hospital-acquired infections are also a concern, especially after procedures that might introduce bacteria to the sterile urinary tract. Good hygiene, such as proper catheter care, is crucial in prevention, while antimicrobial susceptibility testing is key in the management and resolution of these infections.