Using Antibiotics to Cure Infections

Antibiotic Case Study
1. I would ask the patient if she uses any feminine or hygiene products. Besides pain, have you had any other symptoms?
2. I would expect the patient to have a urinalysis done. The presence of WBC’s, leukocytes esterase, nitrates, or bacteria indicates UTI. (Pagana, Pagana, 2010 pg. 1021) A urine culture and sensitivity test can be done as well. This test will indicate a specific bscterium that is present in the patient’s urine. A blood sample will probably be taken as well for WBC count. An increase total WBC count usually indicates infection, inflammation, tissue necrosis, or leukemic neoplasia. (Pagna, Pagna, 2010 Pg. 549)
3. After analysis of the blood, urine, and present symptoms a diagnosis of bladder infection is appropriate of the findings. Tests are performed as well to make sure there are no underlying issues.
4. I anticipate the physician will prescribe Amoxicillin. This drug is commonly used to treat genitourinary tract infections. Amoxicillin binds to the cell wall, causing death. (Vallerland, Sanoski, 2011 Pg. 146) The drug is absorbed easily and can be taken with food for less GI irritation.
5. I would inform the patient that the drug must be taken by mouth twice a day for ten days. It is imperative that the treatment be taken all ten days. Even if symptoms go away or of patient “feels fine,” directions should be followed properly for maximum effectiveness. Patient must let physician if they feel any adverse effects while taking the medication. Because the patient is currently taking oral contraceptives she will be advised to use a back up method if sexually active while on the antibiotic. The amoxicillin will interact with the contraceptive and may decrease its efficiency.
6. The patient will be given guidelines on how to avoid from this potentially happening again. Better hygiene suggestions will be taught. For example, simply wiping from front to back will lessen the chance of bacteria entering the urinary tract. Urine should be expelled and not help in for long periods of time to avoid bacteria growth. Also to pay attention to her body for early signs of infection. If a bladder infection is left untreated that could result in kidney damage.

References
Lilley, L. L., Collins, S. R., Harrington, S., & Snyder, J. S. (2011). Pharmacology and the nursing process. (6 ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Elsevier.
Pagana, K. D., & Pagana, T. J. (2010). Mosb 'ys manual of diagnostic and laboratory tests. (4 ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Inc.
Vallerand, A. H., Sanoski, C. A., & Deglin, J. H. (2011). Davis 's drug guide for nurses. (13th ed.). Philadelphia : F.A. Davis Company.

References: Lilley, L. L., Collins, S. R., Harrington, S., & Snyder, J. S. (2011). Pharmacology and the nursing process. (6 ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Elsevier. Pagana, K. D., & Pagana, T. J. (2010). Mosb 'ys manual of diagnostic and laboratory tests. (4 ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Inc. Vallerand, A. H., Sanoski, C. A., & Deglin, J. H. (2011). Davis 's drug guide for nurses. (13th ed.). Philadelphia : F.A. Davis Company.