Question

A 79-year-old woman in a long-term care facility has chronic bacteriuria on repeated cultures but no urinary symptoms and no systemic features. What is the most appropriate management according to Canadian and Choosing Wisely recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Do not treat asymptomatic bacteriuria and avoid routine repeated cultures

Answer

Treat with antibiotics whenever the culture is positive

Answer

Treat with antibiotics only if the white blood cell count is elevated

Answer

Start chronic prophylactic antibiotics to prevent future infection

Answer

Arrange cystoscopy to exclude bladder cancer

Practice question

A 79-year-old woman in a long-term care facility has chronic bacteriuria on repeated cultures but no urinary symptoms and no systemic features. What is the most appropriate management according to Canadian and Choosing Wisely recommendations?