Dysuria

Definition

Dysuria is discomfort, pain, or burning sensation during urination. It is usually a symptom of urinary tract infection but may also indicate other urologic conditions.

Causes

• Urinary tract infection (most common)
• Sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea)
• Prostatitis
• Interstitial cystitis
• Kidney stones
• Bladder cancer
• Vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women

Associated Symptoms

Frequency, urgency, hematuria, suprapubic pain, fever (pyelonephritis), pelvic/flank pain. Elderly may present with only confusion or falls.

Nursing Interventions

Obtain urinalysis and culture, administer antibiotics, encourage fluid intake (2 to 3 L/day), teach front-to-back wiping, urinating after intercourse, and completing the antibiotic course. Phenazopyridine (urinary analgesic) turns urine orange and stains. Monitor for signs of pyelonephritis (flank pain, fever, chills).

NCLEX Relevance

Classic UTI symptom. Elderly confusion + dysuria may be the only cue.