Question

The nurse discusses measures to prevent infection of the reproductive tract with a client. The nurse determines that the client has understood the information when the client identifies which component as helping to protect against vaginal infections?

a. Vaginal douching
b. Antibiotic use
c. Lactobacilli in the vagina
d. Avoiding hand hygiene

Answer 1

The correct component that helps protect against vaginal infections is lactobacilli in the vagina, which produce an acidic pH that inhibits the growth of pathogens.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client demonstrates an understanding of measures to prevent infection of the reproductive tract when identifying lactobacilli in the vagina as helping to protect against vaginal infections. Lactobacillus is a genus of bacteria that maintains a healthy vaginal environment by secreting lactic acid, which keeps the pH of the vagina acidic. This acidic pH is less hospitable to pathogenic organisms and helps prevent infections. Douching, on the other hand, disrupts the natural balance of vaginal flora, potentially increasing the risk of infection.