NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT
- Increasing fluid intake to increase urine output
- No definitive support in studies for this intervention (Lee & Neild, 2007), but there is no harm in doing it as well, unless the patient is taking medications that are needed to concentrate the urine (Beetz, 2003)
- Rationale:
- To increase mechanical elimination of bacteria through urine (Beetz, 2003)
- Decreased frequency of voiding is associated with increased risk of UTI (Beetz, 2003)
- Siderocalin, an antimicrobial protein released by neutrophil granules into the urinary tract, is more effective against E. Coli in neutral pH urine compared to acidic urine (Shields-Cutler et al., 2015)
- Increasing water intake may dilute urine and make it more neutral, thus increasing the body's own ability to fight UTI
- Dilute urine may irritate the inflamed urinary tract less, which may encourage the patient to drink more and cause a positive feedback effect
- Nursing Considerations:
- Keep track of the patient's fluid intake and output and make sure both sets of numbers increase
- Offer hydration often
- The patient should be instructed to avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine as those irritate the bladder
- Increase fluid intake to increase urine output
- Increasing urine output may increase mechanical removal of bacteria from the urinary tract
- If patient intentionally restricts urine output due to pain, address both the patient's pain and the patient's knowledge gap regarding the benefits of increasing urine output
- Reduce pain related to inflammation of urethra and other urinary tract components
- Increasing fluid intake may dilute urine and reduce irritation to inflamed urinary tract
- Give medication as needed to address pain
- Deep breathing and distractions