BCEN CEN Practice Question

Acute uncomplicated cystitis is caused by bacterial infection of the bladder, most commonly Escherichia coli. National and international guidelines recommend a short course of an appropriate oral antibiotic (e.g., nitrofurantoin for 5 days, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 3 days, or a single dose of fosfomycin) as first-line treatment. Adequate hydration, cranberry products, or topical estrogen may help prevent future infections, but they do not eradicate an active infection on their own. Therefore, antibiotic therapy is essential to resolve the infection and prevent complications such as pyelonephritis.