American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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How is recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) defined?

  1. One UTI in the previous 6 months

  2. Two UTIs in the previous 6 months

  3. Three UTIs in the previous 12 months

  4. Four UTIs in the previous 12 months

The correct answer is: Three UTIs in the previous 12 months

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are defined as having three or more episodes in a 12-month period. This definition is used clinically to help differentiate between individuals who may have a single UTI event versus those with an ongoing issue that may require further evaluation and management. The rationale behind this definition is to ensure that patients with repeated infections, which could indicate an underlying problem such as anatomical abnormalities or chronic conditions, receive appropriate care. Therefore, recognizing recurrent UTIs can help guide diagnostics and treatment strategies to prevent future infections and address any underlying concerns effectively.