With catheter-associated urinary tract infection in older adults, which additional symptom may be present?

With catheter-associated urinary tract infection in older adults, which additional symptom may be present?

• A. Confusion
• B. Hypertension
• C. Weight gain
• D. Skin rash

Answer: (A)

Older adults with catheter-associated urinary tract infections often show nonspecific or atypical signs, with confusion or delirium being a common accompanying symptom. The aging brain is more susceptible to the effects of infection and inflammation, so a urinary infection can manifest as sudden changes in thinking, attention, or behavior rather than the typical urinary symptoms. That makes confusion the most likely additional symptom in this scenario. Hypertension, weight gain, and skin rash are not typical direct indicators of a catheter-associated UTI in older adults, though they may arise from other conditions. If confusion plus possible infection signs appear, it’s important to assess and treat promptly.

Older adults with catheter-associated urinary tract infections often show nonspecific or atypical signs, with confusion or delirium being a common accompanying symptom. The aging brain is more susceptible to the effects of infection and inflammation, so a urinary infection can manifest as sudden changes in thinking, attention, or behavior rather than the typical urinary symptoms. That makes confusion the most likely additional symptom in this scenario.

Hypertension, weight gain, and skin rash are not typical direct indicators of a catheter-associated UTI in older adults, though they may arise from other conditions. If confusion plus possible infection signs appear, it’s important to assess and treat promptly.