A nurse in an urgent care clinic is collecting data from a preschooler who reports painful urination.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a possible manifestation of a urinary tract infection?

Choice A rationale

Cleaning the eye with a moist cloth helps to gently remove any discharge or crust that has accumulated overnight. It’s essential for preventing further irritation and infection while also making the toddler more comfortable. The moist cloth ensures that the cleaning process is gentle and effective, reducing the risk of scratching the delicate tissues of the eye, which can worsen the condition or introduce more pathogens.

Choice B rationale

Removing secretions by wiping from the outer corner to the inner canthus is incorrect because it can potentially spread the infection to the uninfected eye. Proper technique involves wiping from the inner canthus outward to prevent cross-contamination and help clear the eye more effectively.

Choice C rationale

Applying eye ointment in the morning may not be as effective as applying it before bedtime. During the day, the child is more likely to rub their eyes, which can displace the ointment and reduce its effectiveness. Applying it at night allows for prolonged contact with the eye while the child is sleeping.

Choice D rationale

Keeping the eye covered with a compress is generally not recommended because it creates a warm, moist environment that can promote bacterial growth. It also prevents air circulation, which is necessary for the healing process and can make the eye more prone to infections.

Choice A rationale

Shigella is a bacterial infection, not a viral one; therefore, antiviral medication would be ineffective in treating it.

Choice B rationale

Antidiarrheal agents are generally not recommended for shigella because they can prolong the infection by slowing the elimination of the bacteria from the intestines.

Choice C rationale

A diet high in sodium is not relevant to the treatment of shigella. The focus should be on preventing dehydration through appropriate fluid replacement.

Choice D rationale

Maintaining oral rehydration therapy is essential for managing shigella as it helps prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea, which is a common symptom of the infection.