More questions on the topic
More questions on the topic ( 39 Questions)
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of an older adult client who has a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to a possible complication of UTI in older adults?
(Select all that apply.).
This is a sign of infection and inflammation in the body, which can be caused by a UTI. An elevated white blood cell count can also indicate a complication of UTI such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection) or sepsis (blood infection) .
This is not a sign of UTI or its complications.
Serum creatinine is a measure of kidney function, and it usually increases when the kidneys are damaged or impaired. A decreased serum creatinine level may indicate other conditions such as liver disease, muscle wasting, or malnutrition .
This is not a sign of UTI or its complications.
Urine specific gravity is a measure of urine concentration, and it usually increases when the body is dehydrated or has high levels of solutes in the urine. An increased urine specific gravity may indicate other conditions such as diabetes mellitus, heart failure, or dehydration .
This is a common symptom of UTI in older adults, especially those with dementia or other cognitive impairments. UTIs can cause confusion, agitation, delirium, or behavioral changes in the elderly due to the effects of infection and inflammation on the brain .
This is the definitive test to diagnose a UTI, as it identifies the type and number of bacteria present in the urine. A positive urine culture confirms the presence of a UTI and guides the appropriate antimicrobial treatment .
The correct answer is A, D, and E.
Here is why:.
A. Elevated white blood cell count.
This is a sign of infection and inflammation in the body, which can be caused by a UTI. An elevated white blood cell count can also indicate a complication of UTI such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection) or sepsis (blood infection) .
D. Altered mental status.
This is a common symptom of UTI in older adults, especially those with dementia or other cognitive impairments. UTIs can cause confusion, agitation, delirium, or behavioral changes in the elderly due to the effects of infection and inflammation on the brain .
E. Positive urine culture.
This is the definitive test to diagnose a UTI, as it identifies the type and number of bacteria present in the urine. A positive urine culture confirms the presence of a UTI and guides the appropriate antimicrobial treatment .
The other choices are wrong because:.
•.
B. Decreased serum creatinine level.
This is not a sign of UTI or its complications.
Serum creatinine is a measure of kidney function, and it usually increases when the kidneys are damaged or impaired. A decreased serum creatinine level may indicate other conditions such as liver disease, muscle wasting, or malnutrition .
•.
C. Increased urine specific gravity.
This is not a sign of UTI or its complications.
Urine specific gravity is a measure of urine concentration, and it usually increases when the body is dehydrated or has high levels of solutes in the urine. An increased urine specific gravity may indicate other conditions such as diabetes mellitus, heart failure, or dehydration .
Normal ranges for some of these tests are:.
• White blood cell count: 4,000 to 11,000 cells per microliter (mcL) of blood .
• Serum creatinine: 0.6 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women .
• Urine specific gravity: 1.005 to 1.030 .