A 28-year-old female presents to your pharmacy complaining of a burning sensation, stinging, and itching during urination for the past 24 hours. She has no fever, flank pain, or vaginal discharge. She reports no allergies and is not pregnant. She has no history of urinary tract infections. As a pharmacist in a province with minor ailment prescribing authority for uncomplicated UTIs, what is the most appropriate action?

Question: A 28-year-old female presents to your pharmacy complaining of a burning sensation, stinging, and itching during urination for the past 24 hours. She has no fever, flank pain, or vaginal discharge. She reports no allergies and is not pregnant. She has no history of urinary tract infections. As a pharmacist in a province with minor ailment prescribing authority for uncomplicated UTIs, what is the most appropriate action?

Answer options:

• Refer her to a physician for further assessment.
• Recommend cranberry supplements and increased fluid intake. ✅ Prescribe a 3-day course of nitrofurantoin.
• Prescribe a single dose of fosfomycin.

Correct answer: Prescribe a 3-day course of nitrofurantoin.

Explanation: Based on typical provincial minor ailment guidelines for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in non-pregnant women, a short course of antibiotics like nitrofurantoin (e.g., 3-day, or 5-day depending on specific provincial guidance) is appropriate if criteria are met. Her symptoms are consistent with an uncomplicated UTI, and she has no red flags requiring physician referral immediately.