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Uncomplicated cystitis — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyDysuriaUncomplicated cystitisMCCQE Part 1

24-year-old non-pregnant woman presents with dysuria and urinary frequency. She has no fever, flank pain, vaginal discharge or pregnancy risk. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: C — Treat empirically for uncomplicated cystitis according to local resistance patterns

Treat empirically for uncomplicated cystitis according to local resistance patterns is best because classic lower urinary symptoms without red flags are uncomplicated cystitis. Discharge with reassurance and routine follow-up only is suboptimal because it underestimates acute or progressive risk; Treat symptomatically and defer definitive assessment is suboptimal because symptom control alone does not address the likely underlying diagnosis; Arrange non-urgent outpatient imaging in several months is suboptimal because delayed imaging is unsafe when the presentation has red flags; Start long-term corticosteroids without confirming the diagnosis is suboptimal because empiric steroids can obscure infection, malignancy or other diagnoses. Pregnancy, fever or flank pain changes the pathway.

Reference: AMMI Canada urinary tract infection guidance