The appropriate choice is to monitor and
observe the resident, which is called watchful waiting.
The example observation order set,
shown here, ensures that the resident is receiving supportive care,
provides reassurance that the resident is being adequately cared for, and
emphasizes prompt communication for changes in condition.
The goal of treatment for
UTI is to alleviate symptoms, not to create a sterile bladder.
If the resident appears to be responding to the therapy,
it is not necessary to re-culture after a course of antibiotics.
Polymicrobial bacteriuria often persists after a course of antibiotics and
does not mean the treatment has failed.
A urine test alone does not provide sufficient information.
Increases the risk of treating asymptomatic bacteriuria,
as well as the risk of adverse drug events, C difficile infection, and
antimicrobial resistance.
To sum up, a positive urinalysis and or urine culture only tells you that bacteria
are present in the bladder, and does not necessarily indicate an infection.
For a UTI to be present, the resident must have systemic and or
local signs and symptoms and a positive culture.
Only then should an infection be treated.