UTI in an elderly person

[caringheart1]

Hello,

I was just wondering if anyone knows what is the correct amount of time you need to wait before retesting for a UTI in an elderly person? I've heard all different answers from 3 days to 2 weeks. Does it depend on the particular strain bacteria?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

It depends on the patient and the orders from the provider

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

OP- you posted this under 'Site Feedback'. Perhaps alerting a mod to move it to a more appropriate thread would improve your responses.

PS: I don't know the answer to your question either.....

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

It depends. If someone is comfort care they may never repeat the test if the patient is comfortable. If the only way to get a sample is via direct catheterization they provider won't risk further infection and possible trauma just to retest.

Most often like many simple infections diagnosed via signs, symptoms and culture with sensitivity the standard is the urine is NOT retested if the symptoms resolve. If the symptoms get worse despite initiation of antimocrobial therapy the provider may retest for further culture and perhaps add bloodwork to evaluate for sepsis/urosepsis.

[Ladyscrubs]

After the run of antibiotics, we only test if they continue to have symptoms. Remember in the elderly, chills, fever, and confusion (mental status changes) can tip you off. My spidey sense also goes off at the smell of funky urine. Sometimes just a urinalysis, not a C&S.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Any comfort or behavior change is worth checking for an UTI.

[davethemurse]

If I see one of my residents acting out of the ordinary for them or like LadyScrubs said I smell or see funky urine, boom it's UTI w/ C&S for them.