Prevention and Management of Urinary Tract Infections Among Persons With a Spinal Cord Injury: Implications for Nurses.

Abstract

Abstract: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent complication for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) due to impaired bladder function and catheter use. This article presents a case study to illustrate current SCI UTI management strategies and describe how effective nursing care can impact patient outcomes. The method of bladder management affects UTI risk and bacterial resistance; clean intermittent catheterization lowers infection rates, while prolonged use of indwelling catheters increases multidrug-resistant infections. Antibiogram-guided therapy helps optimize antibiotic selection, improving treatment outcomes and reducing resistance. Nonpharmacological strategies, including proper hydration, hygiene, and bladder management techniques, also play a key role in prevention. Rehabilitation nurses can implement these strategies, promote antibiotic stewardship, and coordinate multidisciplinary care. By integrating microbial surveillance, early infection detection, and targeted interventions, nurses can help reduce UTIs and improve outcomes for patients with SCI.