Inflammation Of The Urinary System: Urinary Tract Infections

Week 10: Renal and Urologic Systems
Disorders of the renal and urologic systems can sometimes pose difficulties in the clinical setting. Patients are often hesitant to seek treatment for symptoms of these disorders because they might be embarrassed or uncomfortable with associated questions and physical examinations. When treating and managing disorders of these systems, it is important for advanced practice nurses to recognize that the causes and/or habits that lead to the disorders can vary significantly between not just children and adults, but also between females and males. Additionally, the consequences of the disorders can vary significantly among different patient groups, making it essential to be able to identify renal and urologic disorders and recommend appropriate treatment options.
This week you examine the pathophysiology of urinary tract infections. You also explore the impact of patient factors on urinary tract infections.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Compare the pathophysiology of lower and upper urinary tract infections
Evaluate the impact of patient factors on urinary tract infections
Analyze the pathophysiology of disorders within body systems
Evaluate the impact of patient factors on disorders within body systems
Evaluate clinical considerations of disorders within body systems
Understand and apply key terms, concepts, and principles related to alterations of the renal and urologic systems
Photo Credit: Andrew Brookes/Cultura/Getty Images
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2017). Understanding pathophysiology (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

Chapter 29, “Structure and Function of the Renal and Urologic Systems”

This chapter introduces the structure and function of the renal and urologic systems. It covers renal blood flow, kidney function, and tests for renal and bladder function.

Chapter 30, “Alterations of Renal and Urinary Tract Function”

This chapter examines alterations of the renal and urinary tract function, including urinary tract obstruction, urinary tract infection, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease. It focuses on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, and evaluation and treatment of those renal and urinary tract alterations.

Chapter 31, “Alterations of Renal and Urinary Tract Function in Children”

This chapter presents alterations of renal and urinary tract function that are common in children. These alterations include structural abnormalities, bladder disorders, nephroblastoma, and urinary incontinence.
Hammer, G. G. , & McPhee, S. (2014). Pathophysiology of disease: An introduction to clinical medicine. (7th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

Chapter 16, “Renal Disease”

This chapter explores the structure and function of the kidney for preparation of examining renal diseases. It then examines renal diseases such as acute kidney injury and chronic renal failure.
Optional Resources
National Kidney Foundation. (2012). Retrieved from http://www(dot)kidney(dot)org/index.cfm
Discussion: Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria—most often Escherichia coli. However, certain viruses, fungi, and parasites can also lead to infection. The infection can affect the lower and upper urinary tract, including the urethra, prostate (in males), bladder, ureter, and kidney. Due to the progression of the disease and human anatomy, symptoms present differently among the sexes as well as among age groups. It is important to understand how these factors, as well as others, impact the pathophysiology of UTIs. Advanced practice nurses must have this foundation in order to properly diagnose patients.
To Prepare
Review Chapter 30 in the Huether and McCance text. Identify the pathophysiology of lower and upper urinary tract infections. Consider the similarities and differences between the two types of infections.
Select two of the following patient factors: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior. Reflect on how the factors you selected might impact the pathophysiology of the infections, as well as the diagnosis of and treatment for the infections.
By Day 3
Post a description of the pathophysiology of lower and upper urinary tract infections, including their similarities and differences. Then explain how the factors you selected might impact the pathophysiology of the infections, as well as the diagnosis of and treatment for the infections.
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the "Post to Discussion Question" link and then select "Create Thread" to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!