Final answer:
The correct statement indicating the patient understands the antibiotic teaching for a UTI is "I should finish the entire course of medication even if my symptoms improve." This ensures the infection is fully treated and helps prevent antibiotic resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should identify which of the following statements as an indication that the patient understands the teaching about a new prescription for a urinary tract infection (UTI): C) "I should finish the entire course of medication even if my symptoms improve." This statement shows that the patient understands the importance of completing the prescribed antibiotic treatment. Stopping the medication early, even if symptoms are relieved, can lead to incomplete eradication of the bacteria, potentially resulting in a recurrence of the infection and the development of antibiotic resistance.
Learning this is important because antibiotics can have side effects like disrupting normal flora, leading to secondary infections such as yeast infections, which is what Anita experienced after using ciprofloxacin. To avoid the risk of developing drug-resistant bacteria, it's crucial to take antibiotics as prescribed. Additionally, taking antibiotics with dairy products does not enhance their effects and can even interfere with absorption of some medications.
When treating an infection, the specific antibiotic chosen depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection and its susceptibility to different antibiotics. For instance, a UTI caused by E. coli may be treated with a different antibiotic than a wound infection caused by S. aureus or a respiratory infection caused by P. aeruginosa. It is important to select the right antibiotic to effectively treat the infection without contributing to antibiotic resistance.