You are admitting a 66-year-old male patient suspected of having a urinary tract infection (UTI). Which piece of the patient's medical history supports this diagnosis?

• A. Patient's wife had a UTI 1 month ago
• B. Followed for prostate disease for 2 years
• C. Intermittent catheterization 6 months ago
• D. Kidney stone removal 1 year ago

Answer: (B)

In older men, UTIs are often tied to urinary retention from prostate enlargement. Prostate disease can cause bladder outlet obstruction and incomplete emptying, leading to urine stasis. Bacteria multiply in that retained urine, increasing the risk of a urinary tract infection. So a history of prostate disease provides a direct, strong predisposing factor for a UTI in this patient.

The other history items are less directly linked: a wife’s recent UTI doesn’t affect this patient’s risk; intermittent catheterization is a risk factor for UTIs but the scenario points to a chronic condition that explains ongoing risk; and previous kidney stone treatment can contribute, but the presence of prostate disease is the clearest, most relevant link here.