Final answer:
A nursing assistant should encourage proper hygiene, such as wiping from front to back and maintaining good fluid intake to prevent urinary tract infections. Drinking cranberry juice is also often recommended, but evidence on its effectiveness is mixed.
Step-by-step explanation:
To help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), a nursing assistant (NA) should encourage good personal hygiene practices such as wiping from front to back when giving perineal care, which can reduce the introduction of bacteria from the anus to the urethra. This practice is crucial since bacteria such as Escherichia coli, typically found in fecal matter, are common culprits in causing UTIs. Encouraging proper hydration is also critical; therefore, the NA should not restrict fluids. Contrary to restricting fluids, drinking cranberry juice has been popularized as a preventative measure against UTIs due to compounds that may inhibit bacterial attachment to the bladder wall, although evidence is mixed regarding its effectiveness. The NA should encourage practices that support overall urinary tract health, including promoting frequent urination and complete emptying of the bladder to minimize urine pooling, which can lead to infections.