Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which patient is least likely to be at high risk for complications due to urinary tract infections?

1. A 38-year-old diabetic patient with a HbA1C of 7.5%

2. A woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate

3. A 21-year-old woman undergoing treatment for 2 sexually transmitted infections

4. Pregnant women

The correct answer is: A 21-year-old woman undergoing treatment for 2 sexually transmitted infections

The 21-year-old woman undergoing treatment for two sexually transmitted infections is least likely to be at high risk for complications due to urinary tract infections because she is relatively young and otherwise healthy, assuming no other underlying conditions. In younger adults, especially women, urinary tract infections can occur frequently but often resolve without severe complications, particularly when there are no significant comorbid conditions or complications associated with them. In contrast, the other patients mentioned have factors that significantly increase their risk for complications. The 38-year-old diabetic patient has a chronic condition that can compromise immune function, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and increasing the risk of complications such as kidney damage or sepsis. The woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly one treated with methotrexate, is likely to be immunosuppressed, which heightens her risk of severe infections and complications. Pregnant women are also at an increased risk because of physiological changes during pregnancy that can predispose them to urinary tract infections, as well as the potential for complications that can affect both maternal and fetal health. Overall, while sexually transmitted infections can be concerning, they do not inherently increase the risk for urinary tract infections or complications in a healthy young adult as much as the conditions affecting