Infections Flashcards

Flashcards on Infections, covering UTIs, Vaginosis, Vaginitis, STIs (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes), Hepatitis (A, B, C), and HIV/AIDS.

What is the most common bacteria that causes UTIs?

Escherichia coli

What is cystitis?

UTI limited to the bladder

List some symptoms of cystitis.

Urinary frequency, urinary urgency, sensation of incomplete emptying, dysuria, sometimes hematuria

What values are specific to UTI on a point-of-care urinalysis?

Leukocytes, nitrites, and blood

Why should patients finish their course of antibiotics when treating a UTI?

To fully eradicate the bacteria and prevent recurrence or antibiotic resistance

What is phenazopyridine used for?

Over-the-counter urinary analgesic that manages symptoms related to cystitis

Why shouldn't patients take phenazopyridine for more than 2 days?

It can mask UTI symptoms.

What side effect should patients be aware of when taking phenazopyridine?

It changes urine color to bright orange.

What is pyelonephritis?

UTI that has ascended into the kidneys

List some symptoms of pyelonephritis.

Fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, and back pain

Why is urine culture important in diagnosing pyelonephritis?

To ensure the right antibiotic is prescribed to avoid long-term consequences

List some long-term consequences of pyelonephritis.

Kidney failure, shock, multiple organ dysfunction, sepsis, and death

Name two antibiotics often used to treat pyelonephritis

Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin

What does vaginosis refer to?

Any abnormality of vaginal discharge

What is bacterial vaginosis (BV) associated with?

Higher-than-normal pH in the vagina

List some conditions that raise vaginal pH.

Antibiotic use, contraception, pregnancy, intercourse, and tampons

List some factors that predispose people to BV.

Douching, removing pubic hair, smoking, and having multiple sexual partners

List some signs and symptoms of BV

Fishy vaginal odor and thin white/gray vaginal discharge

How is BV treated?

Oral metronidazole or vaginal cream, though often resolves spontaneously

What does vaginitis mean?

Inflammation of the mucosa of the vagina

What is another name for Candida vulvovaginitis?

Yeast infection

What are some factors associated with yeast infections?

Antibiotic use, restrictive clothing, artificial fiber underwear, and Glucose intolerance

List some symptoms of a yeast infection

Thick, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge or acute vaginal dryness. Inflamed tissue of the vulva

How are yeast infections treated?

Over-the-counter medications or fluconazole

Females with recurrent yeast infections should be assessed for what condition?

Diabetes

What is Trichomoniasis?

A sexually transmitted form of vaginitis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis

What type of STI is Trichomoniasis?

Most common nonviral STI

List some signs and symptoms of Trichomoniasis.

Thin vaginal discharge, fishy odor, vulvar irritation, pelvic pain, dysuria, urinary frequency, and off-schedule vaginal bleeding

List some potential consequences of untreated Trichomoniasis

Cystitis, cellulitis, infertility, preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

What is the treatment for Trichomoniasis?

Single dose of metronidazole

What is important to communicate to your patients about treatment for Trichomoniasis?

Sexual partners must also be treated to avoid reinfection

What is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial STI in the United States?

Chlamydia

What are two treatments for Chlamydia

Doxycycline or azithromycin

What is the second most prevalent STI in the United States?

Gonorrhea

What is the first-line treatment for gonorrhea?

Ceftriaxone

What is the treatment of choice for Syphilis?

Penicillin G

How is Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) transmitted?

Skin-to-skin contact, usually of the mucosa

What is the main mode of transmission of Hepatitis A?

Fecal-oral route

What are the primary modes of transmission for Hepatitis B?

Perinatally, unprotected sex, and IV drug use

What are the most common means of transmission for Hepatitis C in the United States?

IV drug use and vertical transmission