Question

A nurse is planning to give discharge instructions to a female patient who has been treated with IV and antibiotics for a urinary tract infection. What advice should the nurse plan to give to prevent future UTIs?

Answer 1

A urinary tract infection ( UTI) occurs when one or more parts of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder, or uretra) become infected with a pathogen (most frequently bacteria). UTI is more common in females.

Advice of nurse to patient to prevent future UTIs :-

1. Drink plenty of water. Avoid coffee, alcohol and spicy food, all of which irritate the bladder.

2. Women shoud fallow some personal hygiene methods after urinating and defecating. Wipe from front to back (not back to front) after bowel movement. This helps prevent bacteria from the anus entering the urethra.

3. Empty the bladder regularly and completely, especially after intercourse, as sexual act introduce larger number of bacteria into bladder.

4. Use soft cotton and dry panty.

5. Change of contraceptive methods if she use spermicide or diaphragm.