Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Renal and Urological Conditions Related

Review Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Renal and Urological Conditions related questions and content

A patient returns to the clinic with recurrent dysuria after being treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 3 days. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

  • A. Remind the patient about the need to drink 1000 mL of fluids daily.
  • B. Obtain a midstream urine specimen for culture and sensitivity testing.
  • C. Teach the patient to take the prescribed trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for at least 3 more days.
  • D. Suggest that the patient drink cranberry juice to treat the symptoms.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Since uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually successfully treated with 3 days of antibiotic therapy, this patient will need a urine culture and sensitivity to determine appropriate antibiotic therapy. Although daily intake of cranberry juice has been purported to assist in treating, there is currently no conclusive evidence to support advocating this treatment. The fluid intake should be increased to at least 1000 mL/day. Since the UTI has persisted after treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, the patient is likely to need a different antibiotic.