A doctor suspects a patient has complications from a urinary tract infection. What is the most urgent action?

In cases where a urinary tract infection (UTI) raises concern for complications, such as pyelonephritis or other significant kidney issues, the most urgent action is to ensure that the patient receives appropriate care. Referring the patient to a urologist is essential because urologists specialize in the urinary system and can assess and manage complications effectively.

While broad-spectrum antibiotics may seem like a necessary step to treat the infection, initiating treatment without a specialist's evaluation may delay the necessary assessment required for complications. Ordering a urinalysis and conducting imaging studies are important for diagnosis and determining the extent of the infection; however, these actions alone may not be as urgent as ensuring that the patient receives specialized care from a urologist. The complexity of urinary tract conditions necessitates that a specialist evaluates the patient's situation promptly to address any severe implications of the infection.