Question

When caring for the patient with interstitial cystitis, what can the nurse teach the patient to do?

a. Avoid foods that make the urine more alkaline.
b. Use high-potency vitamin therapy to decrease the autoimmune effects of the disorder.
c. Always keep a voiding diary to document pain, voiding frequency, and patterns of nocturia.
d. Use the dietary supplement calcium glycerophosphate (Prelief) to decrease bladder irritation.

Answer 1

The nurse can teach patients with interstitial cystitis to manage their condition through dietary modifications, keeping a voiding diary, and possibly using supplements like calcium glycerophosphate under professional supervision. Adequate hydration and diet monitoring are also key preventive strategies for urinary health.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a patient with interstitial cystitis, a nurse can teach several management strategies to help minimize symptoms. One important aspect is dietary modification. Patients should be advised to avoid foods that might irritate the bladder, such as those that can make urine more alkaline, as well as high-potency vitamins unless they are prescribed by a healthcare professional. Keeping a voiding diary can be helpful in tracking pain, voiding frequency, and nocturia patterns. This diary can assist in understanding triggers and in the effective management of the condition. Additionally, the use of dietary supplements like calcium glycerophosphate (Prelief) may help some patients by decreasing bladder irritation. However, these interventions should be discussed with a healthcare provider before being initiated.

Furthermore, general preventive strategies for urinary health should be discussed, such as ensuring adequate hydration to produce 2 to 2.5 liters of urine per day and monitoring intake of oxalate-rich foods.