Case Study 4

Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Community Pharmacy

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Background:

A 27-year-old woman presents to her Community Pharmacy with a history of frequency and dysuria for the last 2 days. Upon questioning she describes this as a little bothersome but not impacting on her day-to-day activities. She has no known allergies. She has no past medical history of note, is not pregnant and denies experiencing a urinary tract infection in the past. She has not been to her doctor yet and has not taken any medication to relieve her symptoms.

 
Observations & Examination Findings:

  • Patient appears well otherwise
  • Temperature: 37.6°C

Symptoms:

  • Dysuria
  • Frequency

 

 

Your role context:

As a community pharmacist, you do not have the facility to take a urine sample for microbiological testing or conduct further investigations (e.g. urine dipstick). You are not an independent prescriber.

Learning prompts for the student:

1. Assessment:

  • Based on the patient’s symptoms and history, what is your initial working diagnosis and what leads you to this diagnosis? What differential diagnoses do you consider?
  • What red flag symptoms or signs would prompt you to refer her to the GP?

2. Investigations:

  • What further investigations could be conducted (by the GP) to ascertain further information about the patient’s presentation?

3. Management plan:

  • Outline your management plan for this patient.
  • What would you recommend for this patient to provide relief?

4. Counselling:

  • What information should be provided to the patient regarding her management plan?
  • What safety-netting advice do you provide to the patient in the event that the infection does not resolve, or she deteriorates?

 

 

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