A patient with a UTI is being cared for without orders. What actions should be taken?

• A. Hydration, ADLs, urinate
• B. Bed rest
• C. Altered diet
• D. Urine culture only

Answer: (A)

Focusing on actions you can take without a doctor’s order that support bladder health and overall comfort is the idea here. Hydration helps increase urine flow, which helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract and can reduce the severity or duration of the infection. Assisting with activities of daily living promotes safety and allows the patient to maintain adequate fluid intake and hygiene, both of which support recovery and comfort. Encouraging the patient to urinate regularly helps prevent urinary retention and stasis, which can worsen infection.

Bed rest isn’t typically required for a straightforward UTI unless the patient has other complications. Altered diet isn’t specifically indicated for treating a UTI. Collecting a urine culture is a diagnostic step that usually requires an order and isn’t a direct therapeutic action you perform independently; addressing hydration and voiding targets the patient’s current needs and supports recovery while you await orders if needed.