Urinary Tract Infections in the Elderly
Urinary Tract Infections in the Elderly
Prepare a 350-word draft of a clinical problem that you would like to use for your Research project. There should be an introduction to the problem (as to why it is a problem) that is documented with literature, a clear problem statement (one declarative sentence that begins with “The problem is…”, and a purpose to your project. Post this as your Initial response. (Essential I-IX).
Urinary tract infections (UTI) occur frequently in older people. UTIs are generally caused by bacteria, but can also result from certain viruses and fungi. Mainly noted symptoms include burning sensation during urination, frequent urge to urinate, and pain in the back or lower abdomen. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to acute or chronic kidney infections, which could permanently damage these vital organs and even lead to kidney failure. This common infection is also a leading cause of sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the bloodstream. Non-specific symptoms, such as confusion, are often suspected to be caused by urinary tract infection (UTI) and continues to be the most common reason for suspecting a UTI despite many other potential causes. The problem is that this can leads to significant overdiagnosis of UTI, inappropriate antibiotic use and potential harmful outcomes. An alternative method for prophylaxis of patients who suffer from recurrent infections must be found while minimizing the risk of developing or propagating antibiotic resistance. This problem is particularly prevalent in nursing home settings. The elderly is particularly susceptible to urinary tract infections. Older individuals are more vulnerable for many reasons, including their overall susceptibility to infections due to a weakened immune system. “As you get older your immune response changes; it’s part of normal aging,” says Anna Treinkman, a nurse practitioner at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago and president of the National Conference of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners.
Elderly men and women also experience a weakening of the muscles of the bladder and pelvic floor, which can lead to increased urine retention (incomplete emptying of the bladder) and incontinence. These things all contribute to infection. It has been noticed that women are more prone to this infection. Because, due to the short distance between urethra and bladder, it is easy for bacteria to travel to the bladder in women as compared to men. Furthermore, another risk factor attached to women is their sexual behaviors. If they are more likely to change their sexual partner, it is a higher probability for them to get infected. For the elderly living in the community, UTIs compromise the second most common infection, whereas in residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and hospitalized subjects, it is the number one cause of infection. There may be difficulties with proper collection of samples from elderly patients, as well as from those patients who have physical or other types of impairments, which adds to the importance of collecting specimens properly to avoid contamination. Physicians distinguish UTI from other diseases that have similar clinical presentations with use of a small number of tests, none of which, is used individually, have adequate sensitivity and specificity. Among the diagnostic test, urinalysis is useful mainly for excluding bacteriuria. However, a pee test is frequently gathered for culture. To guarantee a solid test outcome, it is fundamental that the pee test is appropriately taken. Urine culture may not be necessary as part of the evaluation of outpatients with uncomplicated UTIs, but it is necessary for outpatients who have recurrent infections, experience treatment failures or have complicated UTI’s, as well as for patients who develop UTIs. The purpose of the research is to analyze risk factor and the prevalence of the problem. To point out the risk factors attached to this infection and to find its more effective cure and quick prevention. Furthermore, this research focuses on a more accurate and precise diagnosis of UTI in elderly population to avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotic.
Prepare a 350-word draft of a clinical problem that you would like to use for your Research project. There should be an introduction to the problem (as to why it is a problem) that is documented with literature, a clear problem statement (one declarative sentence that begins with “The problem is…”, and a purpose to your project. Post this as your Initial response. (Essential I-IX).
Urinary tract infections (UTI) occur frequently in older people. UTIs are generally caused by bacteria, but can also result from certain viruses and fungi. Mainly noted symptoms include burning sensation during urination, frequent urge to urinate, and pain in the back or lower abdomen. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to acute or chronic kidney infections, which could permanently damage these vital organs and even lead to kidney failure. This common infection is also a leading cause of sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the bloodstream. Non-specific symptoms, such as confusion, are often suspected to be caused by urinary tract infection (UTI) and continues to be the most common reason for suspecting a UTI despite many other potential causes. The problem is that this can leads to significant overdiagnosis of UTI, inappropriate antibiotic use and potential harmful outcomes. An alternative method for prophylaxis of patients who suffer from recurrent infections must be found while minimizing the risk of developing or propagating antibiotic resistance. This problem is particularly prevalent in nursing home settings. The elderly is particularly susceptible to urinary tract infections. Older individuals are more vulnerable for many reasons, including their overall susceptibility to infections due to a weakened immune system. “As you get older your immune response changes; it’s part of normal aging,” says Anna Treinkman, a nurse practitioner at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago and president of the National Conference of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners.
Elderly men and women also experience a weakening of the muscles of the bladder and pelvic floor, which can lead to increased urine retention (incomplete emptying of the bladder) and incontinence. These things all contribute to infection. It has been noticed that women are more prone to this infection. Because, due to the short distance between urethra and bladder, it is easy for bacteria to travel to the bladder in women as compared to men. Furthermore, another risk factor attached to women is their sexual behaviors. If they are more likely to change their sexual partner, it is a higher probability for them to get infected. For the elderly living in the community, UTIs compromise the second most common infection, whereas in residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and hospitalized subjects, it is the number one cause of infection. There may be difficulties with proper collection of samples from elderly patients, as well as from those patients who have physical or other types of impairments, which adds to the importance of collecting specimens properly to avoid contamination. Physicians distinguish UTI from other diseases that have similar clinical presentations with use of a small number of tests, none of which, is used individually, have adequate sensitivity and specificity. Among the diagnostic test, urinalysis is useful mainly for excluding bacteriuria. However, a pee test is frequently gathered for culture. To guarantee a solid test outcome, it is fundamental that the pee test is appropriately taken. Urine culture may not be necessary as part of the evaluation of outpatients with uncomplicated UTIs, but it is necessary for outpatients who have recurrent infections, experience treatment failures or have complicated UTI’s, as well as for patients who develop UTIs. The purpose of the research is to analyze risk factor and the prevalence of the problem. To point out the risk factors attached to this infection and to find its more effective cure and quick prevention. Furthermore, this research focuses on a more accurate and precise diagnosis of UTI in elderly population to avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotic.
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