A nurse is caring for a client whose partner recently died. The nurse sits with the client to provide comfort.

Which of the following ethical principles is the nurse demonstrating?

This is because tight-fitting underwear can trap moisture and create a favorable environment for bacterial growth, which can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) . Loose-fitting underwear can allow air circulation and prevent moisture accumulation .

Choice A is wrong because drinking four 240 mL (8 oz) glasses of water each day is not enough to prevent UTIs. The recommended amount of water intake for adults is about 2 to 3 liters per day . Drinking enough water can help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and prevent them from adhering to the bladder wall .

Choice B is wrong because voiding every 5 to 6 hours during the day is too infrequent and can increase the risk of UTIs. The nurse should advise the client to void every 2 to 3 hours during the day. This can help prevent urinary stasis and bacterial multiplication in the bladder .

Choice D is wrong because taking a bubble bath after intercourse can increase the risk of UTIs. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid bubble baths, vaginal douches, or sprays, as they can irritate the urethra and introduce bacteria into the urinary tract . The nurse should also advise the client to empty the bladder before and after sexual intercourse, as this can help remove bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sexual activity .

The correct answer is b. “I can visit my nephew who has chickenpox 5 days after the sores have crusted.”

Choice A rationale:

• Statement:“I should take antibiotics when I have a virus.”
• Rationale:This statement is incorrect.Antibiotics are medications that fight bacteria,not viruses.Taking antibiotics when you have a virus will not help you get better and can actually lead to antibiotic resistance.

Choice B rationale:

• Statement:“I can visit my nephew who has chickenpox 5 days after the sores have crusted.”
• Rationale:This statement is correct.Chickenpox is a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air by coughing and sneezing.However,a person with chickenpox is no longer contagious once all of the sores have crusted over.This typically happens about 5 days after the rash first appears.

Choice C rationale:

• Statement:“I should wash my hands for 10 seconds with hot water after working in the garden.”
• Rationale:This statement is partially correct.Handwashing is an important way to prevent the spread of infection.However,the water does not need to be hot.Warm or cold water is just as effective.It is also important to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds,not 10 seconds.

Choice D rationale:

• Statement:“I can clean my cat’s litter box during my pregnancy.”
• Rationale:This statement is incorrect.Cat feces can contain a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii,which can cause a serious infection called toxoplasmosis.Toxoplasmosis can be harmful to a developing baby.It is best to avoid cleaning cat litter boxes during pregnancy.If you must clean the litter box,wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.