An 83-year-old client is seen for urinary frequency and burning. A dipstick urine test reveals positive nitrates. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) Assume the client has a UTI.
B) Catheterize the client for a sterile specimen.
C) Nothing; this is a normal finding.
D) Send the urine for a culture.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Positive nitrates are 95% specific for an infection originating in the urinary tract. Being elderly, this client is in a high-risk group for urosepsis, and cultures are mandatory to guide treatment. The client does not need a catheterized specimen, but the nurse should not just assume the client has a UTI and do nothing more.

An 83-Year-Old Client Is Seen for Urinary Frequency and Burning