Final answer:
To confirm a urinary tract infection, the healthcare provider will likely prescribe a urine analysis, urine culture, blood work, and possibly kidney imaging; these tests help identify the presence and type of bacteria, and assess for any complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given the symptoms of chills, fever, flank pain, and malaise, along with the suspicion of a urinary tract infection (UTI), the primary healthcare provider is likely to prescribe several diagnostic tests. The main diagnostic tests to confirm a UTI are:
- Urine analysis: This test checks for the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria in the urine, which are indicators of infection.
- Urine culture: This test identifies the specific type of bacteria causing the infection, which is crucial for the selection of appropriate antibiotics for treatment.
- Blood work: This may include a complete blood count (CBC) to check for elevated white blood cells, which can indicate an infection, and blood cultures to evaluate the spread of the pathogen into the bloodstream.
- Imaging: In certain high-risk cases, imaging of the kidneys may be required to rule out obstructions and to assess for signs of pyelonephritis or other complications.
Additional tests may be ordered based on the patient's specific situation, overall health condition, and risk factors, such as a history of UTIs or recent surgery.