ANS: A
Females at any age are more susceptible to cystitis than men because of the shorter urethra in women. Postmenopausal women who are not on hormone replacement therapy are at increased risk for bacterial cystitis because of changes in the cells of the urethra and vagina. The middle-aged woman who has never been pregnant would not have a risk potential as high as the older woman who is using hormone replacement therapy
ANS: B
Clients who are severely immune compromised or who have diabetes mellitus are more prone to fungal urinary tract infection. The nurse should assess for these factors. A physical examination and a post-void residual may be needed, but not until further information is obtained. Travel to foreign countries probably would not be as important, because even if exposed, the client needs some degree of immune compromise to develop a fungal urinary tract infection.
ANS: B
A left shift most commonly occurs with urosepsis and is seen rarely with uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The nurse will be administering antibiotics, most likely via IV, so he or she should notify the provider and prepare to give the antibiotics. The shift to the left is part of a differential white blood cell count. The client would not need to strain urine for stones, and because sepsis carries a high mortality rate, the nurse should not just note the findings as the only action.
ANS: B
Antibiotic therapy is most effective, especially for recurrent urinary tract infections, when the client takes the prescribed medication for the entire course, not just when symptoms are present. The other statements demonstrate that additional teaching is needed for the client.
ANS: B
Low estrogen levels decrease moisture and the types of secretions in the perineal area and cause other tissue changes, predisposing it to the development of infection. Urethritis is most common in postmenopausal women for this reason. Although immune function does decrease with aging and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a known cause of urethritis, the most likely reason in this client is low estrogen levels. Personal hygiene usually does not contribute to this disease process.
ANS: A
The most common cause of sepsis in hospitalized clients is a urinary tract infection. Ascending infection from cystitis with an indwelling catheter is a major source of such infections. Encouraging fluids and documenting I&O are probably important interventions, but they do not take priority over preventing a catheter-related infection. Moisture barrier cream would not be needed.
ANS: C
Phenazopyridine discolors urine most commonly to a deep reddish orange. Many clients think they have blood in their urine when they see this. In addition, the urine can permanently stain clothing.
ANS: A
Limiting fluids concentrates urine and can irritate tissues, leading to increased incontinence. Many people try to manage incontinence by limiting fluids. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages are bladder stimulants. Obesity increases intra-abdominal pressure, causing incontinence.
ANS: A
For a bladder training program to succeed in urge incontinence, the client must be alert, aware, and able to resist the urge to urinate. Habit training will work best for a confused client. This includes going to the bathroom (or being assisted to the bathroom) at set times.
ANS: B
Habit training is undermined by the use of absorbent incontinence briefs or pads. The nurse should re-educate the UAP on the technique of habit training. The other actions by the UAP are appropriate.
ANS: D
In clients with overflow incontinence, the voiding reflex arc is not intact. Mechanical pressure, such as that achieved through the Valsalva maneuver (holding the breath and bearing down as if to defecate), can initiate voiding.
ANS: D
In-dwelling catheters are used only as a last resort because of the risk for ascending urinary tract infection and sepsis. The use of containment pads should be attempted as a means of controlling wetness first. If the client has skin breakdown, an in-dwelling catheter can be placed temporarily until the area has healed. But for a client with cognitive impairment, continence probably cannot be achieved, so the focus turns to maintaining skin integrity.
ANS: C
An in-dwelling catheter dramatically increases the risks of urinary tract infection and urosepsis. Nursing staff should ensure that catheters are left in place only as long as they are medically needed. The nurse should inquire about removing the catheter. All other questions might be appropriate, but because of client safety, this question takes priority.
ANS: A
Dehydration contributes to the precipitation of minerals to form a stone. Ingestion of calcium or aspirin does not cause a stone. Antibiotics neither prevent nor treat a stone.
ANS: D
Stones caused by secondary hyperoxaluria respond to allopurinol (Zyloprim). Pyridium is given to clients with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Pro-Banthine is an anticholinergic. Detrol and Detrol-LA are anticholinergics with smooth muscle relaxant properties.
ANS: B
The shock waves can cause bleeding into the tissues through which the waves pass. Application of ice can reduce the extent and discomfort of the bruising.
ANS: A
Although all interventions are or might be important, obtaining a urine sample for urinalysis takes priority. Often UTI symptoms in older adults are atypical, and a UTI may present with new onset of confusion or of falling.
ANS: C
The elevated temperature indicates a possible infection. Treatment must be initiated as soon as possible to prevent septic complications. The nurse needs to notify the provider so that appropriate diagnostic studies and treatment can be started. The temperature is not high enough to warrant a cooling blanket, and straining the urine will not help find a cause for the fever.
ANS: B
The greatest risk factor for bladder cancer is a long history of tobacco use. The other factors would not necessarily contribute to the development of this specific type of cancer.
ANS: C
Intravesical chemotherapy is used when the tumor has not metastasized. Once metastasis has occurred, systemic chemotherapy and radiation may be used after surgery. The other statements are not accurate.
ANS: C
A pale or cyanotic stoma indicates impaired circulation to the stoma and must be treated to prevent necrosis.
ANS: D
Maintaining a diary detailing times of urine leakage, activities, and foods eaten will aid in the diagnostic process by showing whether a connection can be made between specific factors that seem to trigger the incontinence episodes. Use of medication or absorbent pads or referral to a specialty clinic may be used as part of the treatment plan at some point, but an accurate assessment needs to occur first.
ANS: B
Habit training is the type of bladder training that will be most effective with cognitively impaired clients. Bladder training can be used only with a client who is alert, aware, and able to resist the urge to urinate. Exercise therapy may be too difficult for the cognitively impaired client to grasp, and electrical stimulation will be traumatic for this client.
ANS: A
Smoking is known to be a factor that greatly increases the risk of bladder cancer. Alcohol use, prescription drug use (except medications that contain phenacetin), and recreational drug use are not known to increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.