Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

What instruction should be given to a patient being discharged after a UTI to prevent future infections?

1. Urinate forcefully to clear bacteria

2. Urinate before sexual intercourse

3. Wear cotton underwear

4. Pat dry after urinating

The correct answer is: Wear cotton underwear

The focus for preventing future urinary tract infections (UTIs) includes promoting practices that enhance urinary tract health and reduce bacterial growth. Advising the patient to wear cotton underwear is beneficial because cotton is a breathable fabric that helps keep the area dry and prevents moisture buildup, which can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, can trap moisture and heat, potentially leading to irritation and increasing the risk of infection. Other options may contribute to understanding proper hygiene or practices but are not as directly related to overall prevention strategies as cotton underwear. For instance, while urinating before sexual intercourse can help flush out bacteria, it does not address the risk factors related to clothing. Forcefully urinating to clear bacteria is not a medically advised practice and could potentially irritate the urinary tract. Lastly, while it's important to maintain good hygiene by patting dry after urination, it does not specifically address the prevention of UTIs through clothing choices. Thus, wearing cotton underwear is a more effective recommendation for overall prevention measures.