Final answer:
To help prevent urinary tract infections, a nursing assistant should wipe from front to back when giving perineal care, encourage fluid intake, and assist patients in using the toilet regularly to promote frequent urination and prevent bacteria from lingering in the urinary system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) is an important role for healthcare providers, including nursing assistants (NAs). UTIs are usually caused when bacteria enter the urinary tract, so maintaining good hygiene is vital in prevention efforts. To help prevent the occurrence of UTIs, a nursing assistant should:
- Wipe from front to back when providing perineal care to help prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the urethra.
- Encourage proper hydration, as drinking plenty of fluids helps to flush bacteria from the urinary system.
- Ensure that patients are encouraged to urinate regularly, which also helps to flush out bacteria.
- Assist patients with limited mobility in getting to the toilet, thereby preventing the urine from staying in the bladder too long, which can lead to infections.
It is a common misconception that antibacterial soaps are healthier, but these are not necessary and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Also, while cranberry juice is often thought to prevent or cure UTIs, evidence supporting this is less clear, and it should not replace medical treatment.
Perineal cleanliness, adequate fluid intake, and ensuring regular bladder emptying are effective ways to help prevent UTIs. Based on the provided options, the correct action an NA should take is to wipe from front to back when giving perineal care.