Question

A nurse is providing teaching to a female client who has a history of urinary tract infection. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

1) The importance of maintaining good personal hygiene
2) The need to drink plenty of fluids to flush out bacteria
3) The use of antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections
4) The benefits of avoiding caffeine and acidic foods

Answer 1

To prevent and manage urinary tract infections, a nurse should teach a female client about proper personal hygiene, the necessity of fluid intake, the effectiveness of antibiotics for treatment, and avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and acidic foods.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse providing teaching to a female client with a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs) should include several important pieces of information that can help prevent and manage UTIs:

1. The importance of maintaining good personal hygiene to prevent fecal bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli, from entering the urethra.
2. The need to drink plenty of fluids, which helps to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
3. The use of antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones and nitrofurantoin, for the treatment of bacterial cystitis and other UTIs caused by susceptible bacteria.
4. The benefits of avoiding caffeine and acidic foods, as they can irritate the bladder and potentially worsen UTI symptoms.

Following these guidelines can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and improve outcomes if an infection occurs.