Case Study For Chapter 9: Urgent Care Of Great Neck

Case Study For Chapter 9urgent Care Of Great Neck

Case Study For Chapter 9 Urgent Care Of Great Neck Name: Jennifer F. Age: 25 Height: 5’ 2’ Weight: 120 pounds Symptoms: burning when passing urine, frequent urges to urinate

Jennie got married about 2 months ago and had just moved to Great Neck, New York. Over the past 7 days, she noticed a mild to moderate burning sensation when urinating. Initially, she thought it was related to her period, which also occurred about a week ago. The burning persisted, but she was shy about mentioning it to her husband. A few days ago, she also experienced sudden and more frequent urges to urinate. That night, she did not feel well enough to have sex and decided to go to bed early. In the morning, while using the bathroom, she noticed her urine had an unusual odor. Jennifer was feeling unwell overall and worried about the possibility of injury during sexual activity or a serious disease like bladder cancer.

Jennifer decided to seek care at the urgent care clinic the same day as she could no longer endure the pain. When she called a new gynecologist for an appointment, she was told she would have to wait several days. Frustrated, she arrived at the clinic, where she waited an hour before being seen. She was asked questions regarding her health and provided a clean urine specimen for testing. Her urine test results confirmed a diagnosis of cystitis, often called “honeymoon cystitis,” caused by bacteria migrating upward through the urethra to infect the bladder. Due to the female urethra’s short length, bacteria introduced during sexual activity easily reach the bladder.

The healthcare provider prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection. Jennifer was advised to increase fluid intake, avoid sex for a few days, and take Pyridium, a medication that relieves urinary urgency and acts as a relaxant. She was informed that a bright orange-red urine color could occur due to Pyridium, which was normal. Since her first episode, she experienced a few more urinary tract infections and took preventative measures, including using a condom during sex and drinking plenty of water. She now promptly seeks medical care at the first sign of symptoms.

Discussion Questions and Answers

1. What are the word parts that make up the word cystitis?

The term “cystitis” is composed of two parts: “cyst” meaning bladder, from the Greek “kystis,” and “-itis,” a suffix meaning inflammation. Therefore, cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder.

2. What term means the increased output of urine?

The term for increased urine output is “polyuria.”

3. What is interstitial cystitis? How is it different from acute cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic, non-infectious inflammation of the bladder wall that causes pelvic pain, urgency, and frequent urination. Unlike acute cystitis, which is caused by bacterial infection and is usually a temporary condition treated with antibiotics, interstitial cystitis persists long-term and lacks a clear infectious etiology. Its exact cause remains unknown, and it often involves bladder lining damage, immune system reactions, or nerve dysfunction.

4. An untreated bladder infection can sometimes go all the way to the kidneys and cause pyelonephritis. What is this condition?

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidney tissue that results from an untreated or severe lower urinary tract infection, such as cystitis. It often causes flank pain, fever, chills, and malaise, and requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent renal damage or sepsis.

Conclusion

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, especially in women. They often present with symptoms like dysuria, increased frequency, urgency, and unusual urine odor. The anatomy of the female urinary tract predisposes women to UTIs due to the short urethra and proximity to the anus, which harbor bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Proper diagnosis includes urinalysis and culture, and treatment involves antibiotics, increased hydration, and sometimes medications like Pyridium to manage symptoms.

Preventive strategies include adequate hydration, practicing good personal hygiene, urinating after sexual intercourse, and using barrier protection methods. Education regarding the importance of prompt medical attention for recurrent symptoms can reduce complications like pyelonephritis. Understanding the distinctions between various types of cystitis and associated conditions enables healthcare providers to offer targeted and effective management, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

References

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• Giuberti, E., & Mazzoli, S. (2019). Chronic cystitis: Diagnosis and management challenges. European Journal of Urology, 75(1), 45–52.
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2017). Urinary tract infection in adults. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov
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• CDC. (2020). Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
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