Final answer:
A bladder infection in a client with multiple sclerosis can be due to incomplete bladder emptying, the use of catheters, or immunosuppression. Escherichia coli is the most common bacteria causing such infections. Urinalysis is crucial for diagnosis, and treatment includes antibiotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
A client with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience a bladder infection due to several factors. MS can lead to neurological damage that affects bladder function, making it difficult for the individual to completely empty their bladder. This can result in urinary retention and increase the risk of infection. Additionally, individuals with MS might require intermittent catheterization, which poses a risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. This bacteria could include Escherichia coli, which is the most common cause of bladder infections, or other bacteria like Proteus vulgaris or Klebsiella pneumoniae. These bacteria convert nitrate to nitrite, which can be detected using a routine manual urinalysis, serving as an indicator of infection. Moreover, immunosuppression, whether due to the disease process of MS itself or the medications used to treat it, can also make a client more susceptible to infections like cystitis.
Preventative measures could involve monitoring fluid intake, ensuring regular, complete bladder emptying, and using antiseptics or sterile techniques during catheterization to reduce the probability of acquiring a urinary tract infection (UTI). If a bladder infection is suspected, a urine culture is used to confirm the cause of the infection and to decide the appropriate antibiotic treatment for clearing the infection.