Diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to assist nurse practitioners, particularly those specializing in urology, on how to recognize and manage urinary tract infections. Unfortunately, the lack of knowledge in assessing both a urine specimen correctly and the inability to correlate this information with a patient’s presenting signs and symptoms is cause for frequent misdiagnosis of urinary tract infections. In addition, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in today’s society has made treating urinary tract infections more complicated. This chapter will review the different types of infections, the diagnostic testing required, as well as population-specific guidelines for proper management.