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Postoperative urinary tract infection — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Postoperative urinary tract infectionUSMLE Step 3

A 73-year-old woman is febrile on postoperative day 3 after hip arthroplasty. She has suprapubic discomfort and dysuria after Foley catheter removal. Urinalysis shows pyuria and nitrites. The incision is clean. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: D — Catheter-associated urinary tract infection

Dysuria, suprapubic pain, pyuria, and nitrites after urinary catheterisation suggest catheter-associated UTI.

Reference: IDSA Catheter-Associated UTI Guideline