patient teaching signs and symptoms to report bladder infection

by Alysa Ratke 8 min read

Bladder Infection: Symptoms, Signs, Causes & Treatment

34 hours ago However, some of the common symptoms of bladder infections include: Cloudy or bloody urine Foul-smelling urine Frequent urge to urinate Pain or burning sensation while urinating Cramping or pressure in the back or abdomen Bladder spasm Lethargy or mental confusion, especially in elderly people Fever ... >> Go To The Portal


However, some of the common symptoms of bladder infections include:

  • Cloudy or bloody urine
  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Pain or burning sensation while urinating
  • Cramping or pressure in the back or abdomen
  • Bladder spasm
  • Lethargy or mental confusion, especially in elderly people
  • Fever or chills, particularly, if the infection has affected the kidneys.

Symptoms of a bladder infection can include:
  • Pain or burning while urinating.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder.
  • Bloody urine.
  • Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen.

Full Answer

What are the symptoms of bladder infection?

These symptoms are similar in men, women, and children. The main symptoms of bladder infection are. pain, discomfort, or. burning when trying to urinate.

How do you test for bladder infections?

To find the cause of a bladder infection, your doctor can use: Cystoscopy. Your doctor inserts a cystoscope – a thin tube with a camera -- into your urethra to look for problems or to get a tissue sample for more testing (biopsy). Imaging.

When should you see a doctor for a bladder infection?

If you’re experiencing any combination of the symptoms above, see a doctor right away. Bladder infections are often treated with antibiotics and the sooner you start them, the sooner you’ll find relief. Like this post?

What can I do to treat a bladder infection?

For women past menopause, your doctor may also suggest a vaginal cream with estrogen, if it’s safe for you. For men who have a bladder infection caused by a prostateinfection, you may be on antibiotics for several weeks. Your doctor may also give you medicine to help with symptoms such as pain or the constant urge to pee.

What are the signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection that must be reported at once to the nurse?

SymptomsCloudy or bloody urine, which may have a foul or strong odor.Low grade fever in some people.Pain or burning with urination.Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or back.Strong need to urinate often, even right after the bladder has been emptied.

How do you educate a patient with a UTI?

Always wipe from front to back. Drink plenty of fluids (at least three to four glasses of water each day) to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Empty your bladder completely as soon as you feel the urge, or at least every three hours. Get plenty of vitamin C.

What symptoms might you expect a patient to display with a urinary tract infection?

The symptoms of a UTI can include:A burning feeling when you pee.A frequent or intense urge to pee, even though little comes out when you do.Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling pee.Feeling tired or shaky.Fever or chills (a sign that the infection may have reached your kidneys)More items...

How should nurses educate the patient regarding UTIs?

Nursing ManagementAssess the symptoms of UTI.Encourage patient to drink fluids.Administer antibiotic as ordered.Encourage patient to void frequently.Educate patient on proper wiping (from front to the back)Educate patient on drinking acidic juices which help deter growth of bacteria.Take antibiotics as prescribed.More items...

What key assessments do you look for in a patient with a UTI?

Assessment and Diagnostic FindingsUrine cultures. Urine cultures are useful in identifying the organism present and are the definitive diagnostic test for UTI.STD tests. Tests for STDs may be performed because there are UTIs transmitted sexually.CT scan. ... Ultrasonography.

What are the key patient education considerations for the care of the patient with cystitis?

Discharge and Home Care GuidelinesPersonal hygiene. The patient should be informed to wipe from front to back after urination or bowel movement, and also to wear cotton underwear.Increase fluids. The patient should increase fluid intake to promote voiding and dilution of the urine.Patterns of voiding. ... Compliance.

What are the symptoms of a bladder infection in females?

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include:pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria)needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia)pee that looks cloudy, dark or has a strong smell.needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual.needing to pee more often than usual.More items...

What are the signs and symptoms of a UTI for an elderly person with an indwelling catheter?

SymptomsAbnormal urine color or cloudy urine.Blood in the urine (hematuria)Foul or strong urine odor.Frequent and strong urge to urinate.Pressure, pain, or spasms in your back or the lower part of your belly.

What are the symptoms of bacteria in urine?

SymptomsPain or burning while urinating.Frequent urination.Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder.Bloody urine.Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen.

How do you document a UTI?

Document urinary frequency or urgency, nocturia, bloody urine, incontinence, hesitancy or dysuria, and any associated pain or tenderness in the suprapubic, flank, or costovertebral angle (CVA) regions. Use a pain rating scale to assess pain.

How to find bladder infection?

To find the cause of a bladder infection, your doctor can use: Cystoscopy. Your doctor inserts a cystoscope – a thin tube with a camera -- into your urethra to look for problems or to get a tissue sample for more testing (biopsy). Imaging. An ultrasound, CT scan, and MRIcan show tumors, kidney stones, and other issues.

Why is it important to know the cause of bladder infection?

Sometimes, though, it’s important to know the cause of the infection, because medicine alone may not be enough to treat it. You may get more advanced tests if you belong to one of these groups: Children. Men (Because they tend not to get bladder infections, it could be a sign of something else.)

What is the procedure to see if urine flows backwards?

Voiding cystourethrography. Your doctor puts a dye into your bladder to see if any urine flows backward from the bladder toward the kidneys.

Why does my belly hurt when I pee?

And you may be right, especially if it hurts, burns, or stings when you pee. Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection(UTI). They’re caused by bacteria and lead to problems like pain in your lower belly and having to pee way more often than usual.

How long does it take for a bladder infection to go away?

A mild bladder infection may go away on its own within a few days. If it doesn’t, it’s usually treated with antibiotics. You usually start to feel better in a day or so, but be sure to take all the medicine as directed.

What is a urine culture?

This is a test that checks for bacteria, blood, or pus in a sample of your pee. Your doctor may also run a urine cultureto find out which bacteria are causing your infection. Advanced Tests. Getting a bladder infection once in a while may be a bother, but it’s not usually a serious health concern.

What is the procedure to get a tissue sample from the urethra?

Cystoscopy. Your doctor inserts a cystoscope – a thin tube with a camera -- into your urethra to look for problems or to get a tissue sample for more testing ( biopsy ).

Why does my bladder hurt when I pee?

It happens when bacteria, (most often E. coli) gets into your urethra. Needing to go.

Why does urine have a cloudy color?

Cloudy colored urine is common in urinary tract infections, and if you see blood in the urine, it may be a sign of a leakage of red-blood cells from your kidneys. Both are signs of a UTI or bladder infection.

Is a UTI serious?

A UTI is considered more serious the farther up the urinary tract is goes, and fever (and sometimes chills, or even nausea or vomiting) can be an indication that it’s reached the kidneys. If this happens, call your doctor right away. If you’re experiencing any combination of the symptoms above, see a doctor right away.

Can a fever be a sign of a UTI?

While less common, and certainly not an indicator on it’s own, if you’ve developed any of the above symptoms, and also have a fever, it’s time to get checked out by a doctor (if you haven’t already). A UTI is considered more serious the farther up the urinary tract is goes, and fever (and sometimes chills, or even nausea or vomiting) can be an indication that it’s reached the kidneys. If this happens, call your doctor right away.

Do UTIs produce urine?

Many women with UTIs experience the need to go to the bathroom often – even if they just went. These bathroom trips typically don’t produce much urine.

Can a UTI be forgotten?

After all, a UTI is an unpleasant experience and not easily forgettable. But if you’re experiencing one for the first time, it may be hard to know what your symptoms mean. Below are 7 signs that you may be suffering from a bladder infection or a UTI. Of course, any of these may occur on their own, but a UTI is more likely when you experience ...

Dysuria (Painful Urination)

Dysuria is the sensation of pain during urination and may be caused by a std or infection of the bladder, kidney, urethra, or prostate. A urinalysis will be performed to determine the bacteria causing the infection. Infections are treated with antibiotics.

Frequent Urination

Having to urinate more than eight times a day or waking up to go to the bathroom more than once a night is considered frequent urination. Symptoms include urgency, frequency, hesitancy, dribbling, straining, hematuria, and urinary incontinence. Treatment of frequent urination depends upon the underlying cause.

Symptoms and Signs: Painful Urination (Dysuria)

Dysuria is the sensation of pain during urination and may be caused by a std or infection of the bladder, kidney, urethra, or prostate. A urinalysis will be performed to determine the bacteria causing the infection. Infections are treated with antibiotics.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by E. coli. Symptoms and signs of a UTI include urinary urgency, frequent urination, burning urination, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms

Urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms may include pain, burning with urination, frequent urination, difficulty urinating, urinary urgency, and sometimes blood in the urine. UTI symptoms in men, women, and children may differ slightly.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

Part of urinary tract affected. Signs and symptoms. Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis) Back pain or side (flank) pain. High fever.

Why does my bladder get infected?

Causes. Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to keep out such microscopic invaders, these defenses sometimes fail.

How to reduce the risk of urinary tract infection?

You can take these steps to reduce your risk of urinary tract infections: Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Drinking water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you'll urinate more frequently — allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin. Drink cranberry juice.

What is the urinary system?

Male urinary system. Your urinary system — which includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra — removes waste from your body through urine. Your kidneys, located in the rear portion of your upper abdomen, produce urine by filtering waste and fluid from your blood. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part ...

What does it mean when your urine is red?

Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine. Strong-smelling urine. Pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone. UTIs may be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions in older adults.

What causes UTIs?

A suppressed immune system. Diabetes and other diseases that impair the immune system — the body's defense against germs — can increase the risk of UTIs.

Can a urinary tract infection be caused by surgery?

A recent urinary procedure. Urinary surgery or an exam of your urinary tract that involves medical instruments can both increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infection.

What to do if you have a UTI while taking antibiotics?

Call your doctor if you develop any side effects while taking your antibiotic. Sometimes other illnesses, such as sexually transmitted diseases, have symptoms similar to UTIs. Your doctor can determine if a UTI or different illness is causing your symptoms and determine the best treatment.

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra, and infect the urinary tract. The infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection (cystitis).

Why does my urine burn when I urinate?

Do you have pain or burning when you urinate? You might have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

What age group is most likely to get UTIs?

Age (older adults and young children are more likely to get UTIs) Structural problems in the urinary tract, such as prostate enlargement. Poor hygiene, particularly in children who are potty-training.

How to help with pain from antibiotics?

Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.

What are the factors that increase the risk of UTI?

Other factors that can increase the risk of UTIs: A previous UTI. Sexual activity, and especially a new sexual partner. Changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina (vaginal flora), for example caused by menopause or use of spermicides. Pregnancy.

Can a UTI cause vomiting?

Fever. Chills. Lower back pain or pain in the side of your back. Nausea or vomiting that your child may have a UTI. Younger children may not be able to tell you about UTI symptoms they are having. While fever is the most common sign of UTI in infants and toddlers, most children with fever do not have a UTI.