a. Successful treatment of UTI involves a urine culture to identify the bacteria present and a sensitivity test to determine the most effective antibiotic.

Nursing personnel must ensure that proper technique is used during collection of the specimen in order to prevent contamination of the specimen. Contamination by other substances will result in an inaccurate test.

b. Fluids should be encouraged in order to “flush” the system of the bacteria.

c. Frequent voiding should be encouraged to prevent urinary stasis.

d. I.V. fluids and antibiotics should be administered as ordered.