A nurse is planning care for a patient who has cystitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

Choice A rationale Instructing a patient with cystitis to drink only 1 L of fluid each day is an insufficient amount for managing the condition. Adequate fluid intake, typically at least 2 to 3 L per day, is crucial for flushing bacteria from the urinary tract, which helps to reduce bacterial load and prevent colonization. Limiting fluid intake would concentrate urine, potentially worsening symptoms and promoting bacterial growth. This recommendation contradicts evidence-based practice for urinary tract infection management. Choice B rationale Tomato juice is highly acidic and can irritate the bladder mucosa, which is already inflamed in a patient with cystitis. Increased bladder irritation can worsen symptoms such as dysuria and urinary frequency, causing discomfort. The goal of dietary modifications for cystitis is to reduce bladder irritation and promote a more alkaline urine pH, which makes the urinary tract less hospitable to bacterial growth. Therefore, recommending tomato juice is inappropriate. Choice C rationale Carbonated beverages contain gas and artificial sweeteners that can act as bladder irritants. For patients with cystitis, consuming these beverages can exacerbate symptoms like bladder spasms, urinary urgency, and frequency. By instructing the patient to avoid these irritants, the nurse helps to alleviate discomfort and support the healing process. This recommendation aligns with dietary guidelines aimed at managing and reducing symptoms of bladder inflammation. Choice D rationale The patient should be instructed to take antibiotics for the entire prescribed duration, which is typically 3 to 7 days, to ensure all bacteria are eliminated. Stopping antibiotics prematurely, even if symptoms like dysuria have resolved, can lead to antibiotic resistance and a recurrence of the infection. Incomplete treatment allows surviving, more resistant bacteria to multiply, making the infection harder to treat in the future.