A nurse is providing education to a patient being treated with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim) and phenazopyridine (Pyridium) for a urinary tract infection. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. A potassium level of 3.3 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias due to the role of potassium in maintaining normal cardiac conduction and muscle contraction. Monitoring the client’s heart rhythm is crucial.
B. Neurogenic shock is not a complication of hypokalemia. It is typically caused by spinal cord injury or central nervous system damage, not electrolyte imbalances.
C. Hypoglycemia is not directly associated with hypokalemia or furosemide use. Furosemide primarily affects fluid and electrolyte balance, not glucose regulation.
D. While severe hypokalemia can cause neuromuscular issues, seizures are more commonly associated with conditions like hyponatremia or hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia.

A. Decreasing fluid intake can actually increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) because it leads to concentrated urine and less frequent urination, which reduces the ability to flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
B. Cleansing the perineal area from back to front increases the risk of transferring bacteria from the rectum to the urethra, which is a common cause of UTIs. The correct technique is to cleanse from front to back.
C. Utilizing cotton rather than synthetic undergarments is beneficial because cotton is breathable and helps keep the genital area dry, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and infection.
D. Urinary tract infections are unavoidable in the elderly is not true. While the elderly may be at increased risk due to factors such as weakened immune systems, UTIs can often be prevented with proper hygiene, hydration, and lifestyle changes.