Nursing Assignment: UTI, Lymphoedema, Diabetes, and Nursing Care Plans

Running head: NURSING 1
Nursing
Name
Institution

NURSING 2
Nursing Assignment
Nursing actions that could determine the presence of UTI (McLellan & Hunstad, 2016)
i. Urinalysis to determine the number of leukocytes
ii. An induced growth of bacteria which helps in identifying the type of bacteria
iii. Analysis of a clean-catch urine sample
Two possible things that could appear in dipstick test with UTI
i. Nitrites
ii. Leukocyte esterase
Findings that support the diagnosis of UTI
From the findings, we notice that her body temperature of 38.2°C is higher than the normal
body temperature. This is characterized by the high fever she experiences. Her blood pressure is
also high at 145/90. It might be difficult to relate hypertension to UTI in the elderly but in some
instances, UTI may lead to high blood pressure. Additionally, her heart rate is revealed to be 82
which is considerably high. High heart rates are another characteristic of urinary tract infection.
Prevention of future UTI infection
Firstly, I would advise Betty to drink more water because water normally dilutes the urine and
helps in flushing out bacteria. Additionally, she has to refrain from using products such as bubble
bath that may irritate the urethra. Furthermore, it would be important if she does not resist the
urge to pass urine (McLellan & Hunstad, 2016). After voiding, she needs to wipe from front to
back to avoid contamination of the urethra with bacteria.

NURSING 3
Cause of Lymphoedema
Betty has a history of breast cancer and this may be one of the causes of the lymphedema on her
right arm (Boyages, 2013). Studies reveal that cancerous cells may block lymphatic vessels,
especially when a tumor grows near a lymph node and becomes large thus blocking the flow of
lymph fluids.
The reason not to read the BP from the right arm
Betty’s history of mastectomy makes the right arm inappropriate for measuring blood pressure.
Taking blood pressure readings from her right arm may cause additional complications related to
lymphedema such as secondary lymphedema considering the fact that the extremity of the lymph
nodes is removed during mastectomy (Boyages, 2013).
Normal blood sugar/glucose level
The normal blood sugar/glucose level of a fasting person is below 100mg/dL. It is, however,
important to note that infections cause an increase in the blood glucose level. Betty’s blood
glucose level may, therefore, rise above the normal range due to UTI.
Signs and symptoms of a hypoglycemic episode
i. A pale skin color
ii. Headache
iii. Sweating
iv. Clumsy movements
v. Seizures
vi. Palpitations