Question

A nurse in a provider's office is providing teaching to a client who has a urinary tract infection and a new prescription for ciprofloxacin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A) Take the medication with dairy products.
B) Finish the entire course of antibiotics.
C) Skip doses if symptoms improve.
D) Take the medication on an empty stomach.

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to finish the entire course of ciprofloxacin for the urinary tract infection, even if symptoms improve, to fully eradicate the infection and prevent resistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

When providing instructions to a client who has been prescribed ciprofloxacin for a urinary tract infection (UTI), the nurse should emphasize the importance of adherence to the medication regimen. The correct instruction for the client would be:

• Finish the entire course of antibiotics. Even if symptoms improve before the end of the treatment, it is essential to continue taking the medication until the full prescription is completed to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and to prevent resistance.

It is also important to note that taking ciprofloxacin with dairy products may interfere with absorption, and therefore this should be avoided. Skipping doses could lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Additionally, ciprofloxacin can be taken with food to reduce stomach upset, so taking it on an empty stomach is not necessary unless advised by a healthcare provider.