Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

In which of the following conditions would you expect to see a history of recurrent urinary tract infections?

1. Diabetes mellitus

2. Pulmonary disease

3. Hypertension

4. Heart disease

The correct answer is: Diabetes mellitus

A history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) is most commonly associated with diabetes mellitus due to several key factors. Individuals with diabetes can have elevated glucose levels in their urine, which creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth, increasing the likelihood of infections. Additionally, diabetes can impair the immune system, reducing the body's ability to fight off infections effectively. Furthermore, some individuals with poorly controlled diabetes may also experience neuropathy, which can affect bladder function and lead to incomplete bladder emptying, further predisposing them to UTIs. The other conditions listed do not have as strong a direct correlation with recurrent urinary tract infections as diabetes does. Pulmonary disease, hypertension, and heart disease primarily impact other systems in the body and are not directly linked to the urinary tract's susceptibility to infections in the same way. Therefore, recurrent UTIs are most expectantly associated with diabetes mellitus.