What should you as a caregiver or a family member should look for if you suspect your client or loved one may have a urinary tract infection?
- Sudden onset of confusion or delirium – this can be caused by other factors, but this is one of the first symptoms of a UTI
- Increased frequency of urination
- Foul odor of urine
- Cloudy urine
- Pain or burning during urination
- Fever of 100 degrees or more – some with a UTI do not develop a fever, but it can be a symptom
- Pain or tenderness of lower abdomen
If any of the two above are present, assume that the person may have a Urinary Tract Infection and should be evaluated by a physician. Urinary Tract infections that are not treated in the elderly is a leading cause of Sepsis in this population and can lead to serious complications and/or death.
