A female client with acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC) has been treated with antibacterials, and now reports that all symptoms have resolved. What further instructions should be given to this client at this time?

Question

1. "Don't try to figure out for yourself if you have an infection; it might be dangerous."
2. "Come back to the clinic in 2 weeks for a urinalysis to check for signs of infection."
3. "Your health care practitioner would like to see you in 2 weeks to see how you are feeling."
4. "You don't need to come back to the clinic unless your symptoms return."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Clients who have had previous AUCs are often able to self-diagnose.
Rationale 2: For women with AUC, follow-up usually consists of a routine office visit. No additional testing or cultures are necessary if the symptoms have promptly resolved.
Rationale 3: Clients whose symptoms have resolved quickly will be seen for a routine office visit.
Rationale 4: Most women with AUC will need to be seen for a follow-up visit; therefore, telling the client not to return unless symptoms return is incorrect.
Global Rationale: In many cases, a diagnosis of AUC is made by the health care provider based on symptoms and history alone, without additional serologic or urinary testing. Women who have experienced a prior AUC are often able to self-diagnose. Rapid dipstick tests are available to examine for the presence of infection. Follow-up of AUC is usually by routine office visit; no additional testing or cultures are required if the symptoms promptly resolve.