Following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), a client is discharged from the hospital with an indwelling urinary catheter. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching plan?

A. Clamp the catheter when taking a shower: Clamping the catheter is not recommended because it can cause backflow of urine and increase the risk of infection. The catheter should be allowed to drain freely at all times to maintain proper urinary flow. B. Drink 3 liters of water each day: Adequate hydration is the most important teaching point after TURP. Drinking sufficient fluids helps flush the bladder, prevent clot formation, and reduce the risk of urinary tract infection, which is a major concern with an indwelling catheter. C. Avoid driving a car for 2 weeks: Driving restrictions may be advised depending on the client’s recovery and use of analgesics, but this instruction is not the highest priority compared to preventing postoperative complications such as infection and obstruction. D. Eliminate all spicy foods from your diet: Spicy foods may irritate the bladder, but dietary restrictions are not universally required after TURP. This recommendation is less critical than maintaining hydration to promote healing and catheter function.