A nurse is planning care for a client who has a T4 spinal cord injury and is at risk for acquiring urinary tract infections. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?
Encourage fluid intake at and between meals.
Cleanse the perineum from back to front.
Offer the client the bedpan every 2 hours.
Obtain a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Encouraging fluid intake at and between meals helps to dilute urine and can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by promoting regular urination.
B. Cleansing the perineum should be done from front to back to prevent the introduction of bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra, so this option is incorrect.
C. Offering the bedpan every 2 hours may not be sufficient for individuals at risk for UTIs, as more frequent voiding can help prevent infection.
D. An indwelling urinary catheter increases the risk of urinary tract infections and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary; intermittent catheterization is generally preferred for those with spinal cord injuries to minimize this risk.
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