The nurse is caring for a preschooler with spina bifida admitted with a febrile urinary tract infection. Which action should the nurse prioritize to minimize complications of vesicoureteral reflux?

Rationale: A. Encourage adequate oral fluid intake: While staying hydrated is important for flushing bacteria from the urinary tract and is a standard treatment for a UTI, it is not the priority action for preventing the complications of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). B. Evaluate elimination hygiene habits: Good hygiene reduces the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. While important, hygiene assessment alone does not actively prevent reflux-related complications as effectively as ensuring adequate urine flow through hydration. C. Complete post void bladder scans: Post-void residual assessment identifies incomplete bladder emptying, which is important for ongoing management. However, it is a diagnostic monitoring step rather than an immediate action to minimize acute complications of reflux during a febrile UTI. D. Implement a frequent voiding schedule: In children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney infections and damage. Frequent voiding helps reduce bladder pressure and prevent urine stasis, which minimizes the likelihood of reflux and recurrent infections.