Final answer:
UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, leading to infection and possible inflammation. If the bacteria spread to the bloodstream, it can cause sepsis. Symptoms and urine culture can diagnose UTIs, and antibiotics like ciprofloxacin are used for treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pathophysiology of Urinary Tract Infection and Potential Sepsis
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often caused by the introduction of bacteria from the lower gastrointestinal tract into the urinary system, leading to infection and inflammation. UTIs can affect the urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis), or kidneys (pyelonephritis). When bacteria spread from the infected urinary tract to the bloodstream, the condition can escalate to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening systemic response to infection. Roberta, having undergone recent gallstone surgery, is suspected to have contracted a nosocomial infection. Her symptoms of high fever, abdominal pain, and bloody urine are indicative of a UTI, which is confirmed by the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria in her urine culture. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, to eliminate the bacterial infection.