UTI
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Renal / Urinary / Electrolytesmedium priorityneeds review
UTI
Also testable as: Urinary tract infection
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Bacteria enter urinary tract, often ascending from urethra.
- Inflammation causes dysuria, frequency, urgency, and possible systemic symptoms.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Antibiotics by class | Treats bacterial infection when prescribed. |
Nursing actions
- Assess dysuria, frequency, fever, flank pain, and confusion in older adults.
- Collect urine specimen correctly before antibiotics if ordered.
- Encourage fluids if not restricted and hygiene teaching.
Complications
- Pyelonephritis
- Sepsis
- Delirium in older adults
NCLEX cues
- Burning and urgency.
- Fever/flank pain means upper tract concern.
Memory hooks
- Lower UTI burns; upper UTI hurts the flank.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.