A nurse is providing education to a group of postmenopausal women about preventing vulvovaginitis. Which of the following strategies should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

Vaginal itching is a common symptom of vulvovaginitis but not a potential adverse effect of antibiotics. It is more indicative of the condition itself rather than a medication side effect.

Choice B rationale:

A fishy odor is characteristic of bacterial vaginosis (BV), not a common adverse effect of antibiotics. BV is caused by an imbalance in vaginal flora and is not directly related to antibiotic therapy.

Choice C rationale:

Increased vaginal discharge is a potential adverse effect of antibiotics. Antibiotics can disrupt the normal vaginal flora, leading to an overgrowth of yeast or other pathogens, which may result in increased discharge.

Choice D rationale:

Photosensitivity is unrelated to antibiotics or vulvovaginitis. It refers to an increased sensitivity to sunlight or artificial light and is not a relevant consideration in this context.

Choice A rationale:

Administering oral or intravaginal antibiotics is not appropriate for vulvovaginal candidiasis (CV) since it is caused by a fungal infection, not bacterial. Antifungal medications are the primary treatment.

Choice B rationale:

Educating the client on the causes, symptoms, and prevention of CV is essential to ensure the client understands the infection, its symptoms, and how to prevent recurrence.

Choice C rationale:

Providing comfort measures to relieve irritation and discomfort, such as soothing creams and warm sitz baths, helps alleviate the discomfort associated with CV.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to avoid sexual intercourse during treatment is advised to prevent further irritation and disruption of the vaginal flora.

Choice E rationale:

Advising the client to limit sexual partners is not a specific intervention for CV.