Cystitis

Definition

Cystitis is inflammation of the urinary bladder, most commonly from bacterial infection (E. coli in 80 to 90% of uncomplicated cases). It is a type of lower urinary tract infection (UTI) and is most common in women, elderly, and those with indwelling catheters.

Signs and Symptoms

• Dysuria (painful urination)
• Urinary frequency and urgency
• Suprapubic pain
• Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
• Hematuria
• Low-grade fever
• In elderly: confusion, falls, or incontinence may be the only sign

Nursing Interventions

Encourage 2 to 3 L/day fluid intake, administer antibiotics (typically nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, fosfomycin for uncomplicated cystitis), teach wiping front to back, voiding after intercourse, avoiding bubble baths and feminine sprays, and completing full antibiotic course. Phenazopyridine provides urinary analgesia. Warn that it turns urine orange.

NCLEX Relevance

In elderly, new confusion may be the only UTI sign, always obtain urinalysis for new-onset confusion.