A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a urinary tract infection. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Wear cotton underwear: Cotton underwear allows better air circulation and reduces moisture accumulation, which helps prevent bacterial growth in the genital area. Proper underwear choice is a simple preventive measure that supports urinary tract health. B. Drink orange juice daily for 3 to 4 weeks: While vitamin C may help acidify urine slightly, there is no evidence supporting long-term consumption specifically for UTI prevention. Excessive intake can also irritate the bladder or cause gastrointestinal upset. C. Take the prescribed antibiotic until manifestations are gone: Antibiotics should be taken for the full prescribed course, not just until symptoms resolve. Stopping early can lead to incomplete eradication of bacteria and increase the risk of resistance. D. Restrict fluid intake to 1 L per day: Restricting fluids can worsen UTIs by reducing urine output, which limits bacterial flushing from the urinary tract. Adequate hydration is recommended to help prevent and manage UTIs.