Table 1 Nursing education strategies for UTI management and infection prevention

1. General Infection Control Guidelines

- Hand Hygiene: Ensure proper handwashing techniques before and after patient contact. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when appropriate.

- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Utilize gloves, masks, and gowns as necessary based on infection risk.

- Isolation Precautions: Implement standard and transmission-based precautions for patients with known infections.

2. Foley Catheter Care

- Catheter Insertion: Follow sterile technique during insertion.

- Catheter Maintenance: Regularly assess catheter function and patency; ensure drainage bags are positioned below bladder level to prevent backflow.

- Cleaning Techniques: Clean the catheter insertion site and meatus daily with mild soap and water. Use antiseptic solutions if indicated.

3. Patient Education Techniques

- Instruction Methods: Use teach-back techniques to confirm patient understanding.

- Information Delivery: Provide written materials and resources, including diagrams for visual learning.

- Empowerment Strategies: Encourage patients to ask questions and participate in their care plan discussions.

4. UTI Pathophysiology

- Understanding UTIs: Explain how bacteria ascend the urinary tract, leading to infection.

- Immune Response: Discuss the body’s response to infection, including inflammation and urinary symptoms (e.g., dysuria, urgency).

- Types of UTIs: Differentiate between uncomplicated and complicated UTIs and their respective management strategies.

5. Risk Factors for UTI

- Patient Characteristics: Identify high-risk populations, including females, elderly, and diabetic patients.

- Behavioral Factors: Discuss hygiene practices, fluid intake, and sexual activity that may contribute to UTI risk.

- Medical History: Assess for previous UTI history and any anatomical or functional abnormalities of the urinary tract.

6. Infection Prevention Strategies

- Hydration: Encourage adequate fluid intake to promote urine flow and flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

- Dietary Considerations: Educate patients on the role of cranberry products and probiotics in UTI prevention.

- Post-voiding Practices: Instruct patients to urinate after intercourse and to wipe front to back to minimize infection risk.