The nurse is caring for an elderly patient whose dementia has become worse over the last 24 hours. The nurse suspects that the patient may have developed a urinary tract infection and obtains a urine sample

Question

Which assessment findings prompt the nurse to contact the physician to obtain an order for urine culture and sensitivity testing? (Select all that apply.)
a.
Urinary dipstick testing is positive for nitrates.
b.
The urine appears cloudy with a foul odor.
c.
The urine is concentrated and dark amber in color.
d.
The urine smells faintly like nail polish remover.
e.
The patient is urinating more frequently than usual.
f.
The patient is normally continent but wet herself twice.

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, E, F
Concentrated dark urine indicates dehydration rather than infection of the urinary
tract. Urine that smells of nail polish remover contains ketones from high blood sugar. Urine that is cloudy with a foul odor and positive for nitrites is most likely due to urinary tract infection. Frequent urination and incontinence are signs of urinary tract infection in the elderly.