This case study is based on the scenario of a man who is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection after being catheterised, due to urinary retention post hip replacement surgery. The study will examine the normal and pathological state of the body system as well as the microbiology that is involved. It will also be investigated how to prevent the spread of the infection, what medication should be introduced and how it will work. Additionally, predisposing factors for obtaining the infection will be explored.
The main system concerned in this case study is the urinary system. The urinary system consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra (“Urinary system & how it works”, 2006). This system functions as an excretory system, regulating fluid in the body as well as homeostatic balance (McLafferty, Johnstone, Hendry & Farley, 2014). Normally the urinary system starts off with the kidneys producing urine that contains metabolic waste including urea and uric acid. This urine is then sent to the bladder via two ureters. Here the urine is stored and when the bladder becomes full it is eventually excreted through the urethra (McLafferty et al., 2014).
However, if there is a urinary tract infection present this can alter the normal
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Physiologically the uterus expands consequently compressing the bladder preventing absolute emptying of it. Because of this urine retention is experienced which facilitates the growth of pathogens and therefore infection (Vasudenvan, 2014). This is also similar to when the older male’s prostate gland enlarges and initiates urine retention (Callaghan, Rosenberg & Rubash, 2007).The individual identified in the case scenario is in fact male and so therefore an enlarged prostate gland could be an underlying factor for the previous urine retention. Having a catheter then would most likely have triggered the