What's the protocol for self diagnosis?

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Quick question, what's the correct protocol for self diagnosis. I'm a nursing student so I know I'm not expert but I'm fairly certain I have a UTI. I did an at home test, and my leukocyte level is above 500 PPM. I'm having severe lower back pain, burning urination, and frequency.

I'm going to call the doctor, but is it wrong for me to tell him that I'm pretty sure I have a UTI, and the steps that I've done already?

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Specializes in critical care, PACU.

I always know when I am getting or having one also, but usually if this is your first or first few cases, you will still have to get a urine culture to get your ABX. We cant give medical advice here but drink a whole bunch of cranberry juice on the way to the MD and hopefully you will feel better. UTIs are the suck. I hate when you feel one coming on right before a 12 hr clinical day :-/

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I would certainly tell your provider what tests you have run, but I certainly encourage you to keep the appt.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Home Health.

I think its a great idea to tell your doc what you suspect. They need all the information you can give them. Given your symptoms, it does sound like a UTI. I think its great that you are involved in your health.

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.

Truly, it depends on the rapport you have with your HCP. I'd use the SBAR tool for communication and see what happens:

Situation: age, hx of UTIs, etc.

Background: Duration of symptoms, what you've been doing to treat, etc, sexual history, other meds.

Assessment: Temp, Severe lower back pain, burning and frequency with urination, (is urine cloudy?), at home WBC test.

Recommendation: U/A to determine UTI, include your allergies.

B

Quick question, what's the correct protocol for self diagnosis. I'm a nursing student so I know I'm not expert but I'm fairly certain I have a UTI. I did an at home test, and my leukocyte level is above 500 PPM. I'm having severe lower back pain, burning urination, and frequency.

I'm going to call the doctor, but is it wrong for me to tell him that I'm pretty sure I have a UTI, and the steps that I've done already?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.

no protocol, just tell them what you told us and they will take it from there.

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