Question

The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for the parents of a child with a UTI. Which of the following would the nurse encourage the parents to avoid?

A) Liberal fluid intake
B) Caffeine
C) Cranberry juice
D) Cotton underwear

Answer 1

The nurse would instruct the parents to avoid caffeine when their child has a UTI as it can irritate the bladder. Instead, they should promote liberal fluid intake, including cranberry juice, and ensure the child wears cotton underwear while completing the entire course of prescribed antibiotics.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a child has a urinary tract infection (UTI), it is important to focus on minimizing irritants to the bladder and supporting the urinary tract's healing process. Among the options provided, the nurse would encourage the parents to avoid caffeine (option B). Caffeine is a known diuretic and bladder irritant which can exacerbate the symptoms of UTI. On the contrary, encouraging a liberal fluid intake (option A), including cranberry juice (option C), can help flush the bacteria from the urinary tract, and wearing cotton underwear (option D) supports good hygiene by allowing air to circulate and reduce moisture, which bacteria thrive in. The parents should also be guided on the importance of completing prescribed antibiotics like fluoroquinolones or ciprofloxacin, as incomplete treatment may lead to recurrence or complications such as kidney infections or sepsis, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly.