A 46-year-old female patient returns to the clinic with recurrent dysuria after being treated with trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) for 3 days. Which action will the nurse plan to take?
a. Teach the patient to take the prescribed Bactrim for 3 more days.
b. Remind the patient about the need to drink 1000 mL of fluids daily.
c. Obtain a midstream urine specimen for culture and sensitivity testing.
d. Suggest that the patient use acetaminophen (Tylenol) to treat the symptoms.
ANS: C
Because uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually successfully treated with 3 days of antibiotic therapy, this patient will need a urine culture and sensitivity to determine appropriate antibiotic therapy. Acetaminophen would not be as effective as other over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as phenazopyridine (Pyridium) in treating dysuria. The fluid intake should be increased to at least 1800 mL/day. Because the UTI has persisted after treatment with Bactrim, the patient is likely to need a different antibiotic.
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