Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the recommended follow-up for a male patient with a history of recurrent UTIs?

1. Refer the patient to a urologist

2. Prescribe the patient ofloxacin (Floxin) for 2 weeks

3. Advise the patient to void every 2 hours

4. Refer the patient to the local ED

The correct answer is: Refer the patient to a urologist

The recommended follow-up for a male patient with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) is to refer the patient to a urologist. This is appropriate because recurrent UTIs in males are less common than in females and may indicate underlying issues such as anatomical abnormalities, prostatitis, or other urinary tract pathologies that necessitate further evaluation by a specialist. A urologist has the expertise to conduct the necessary diagnostic imaging or further assessments that can help identify the root cause of the recurrent infections, which might not be adequately addressed in a primary care setting. In contrast, simply prescribing ofloxacin for a short duration does not address the underlying issue that is causing the recurrent infections. Advising the patient to void every 2 hours might help in the prevention of urinary stasis, but it does not diagnose or treat the possibility of more significant underlying conditions. Referring the patient to the local emergency department would not be appropriate in a follow-up scenario since recurrent UTIs typically do not require immediate acute care unless the patient is currently experiencing severe symptoms or complications.