A nurse reviews the methods for preventing recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) with the parent of a female child. Which response by the parent indicates that further teaching is needed in caring for the child?

• A. Bathes the child nightly with liquid bubbles added.
• B. Increases oral fluids and encourages the child to void frequently.
• C. Provides the child with cotton underwear for daily use.
• D. Teaches the child to cleanse perineal area from front to back.

Answer: (A)

Preventing recurrent UTIs in a young girl hinges on reducing perineal irritation and promoting proper urinary hygiene. Daily bubble baths can irritate the vaginal and urethral tissues and may disrupt the protective local flora, which can increase susceptibility to bacteria entering the urinary tract. This practice does not support prevention and signals a need for more teaching. In contrast, increasing fluids and encouraging regular voiding help flush bacteria from the bladder; cotton underwear keeps the area drier and less irritating; and teaching the perineal area to be cleaned from front to back reduces transfer of bacteria from the bowel to the urethral opening.