A woman has sought care because of recurrent urinary tract infections, which have been increasing in both frequency and severity

Question

The health care worker should explain which of the following physiological factors to the client that is likely contributing to recurrent UTIs?
A) Reflux flow of urine that can occur from coughing or sneezing
B) Fluctuations in urine pH related to beverage consumption
C) Urethral trauma that occurs during sexual intercourse
D) Inadequate intake of water

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
A phenomenon called urethrovesical reflux occurs when urine from the urethra moves into the bladder. In women, urethrovesical reflux can occur during activities such as coughing or squatting, in which an increased intra-abdominal pressure causes the urine to be squeezed into the urethra and then to flow back into the bladder as the pressure decreases. Reflux flow of urine is a significant risk factor for UTIs in general and for recurrent UTIs in particular. Fluctuations in urine pH are not noted to contribute to recurrent UTIs. Urethral trauma and inadequate fluid intake may contribute to the development or prolonging of UTIs, but these risk factors are less significant than the presence of urine reflux.