What is the most effective nursing intervention to include in the patient's plan of care to prevent urinary tract infections?

Choice A rationale

While good health habits are beneficial for overall well-being, multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progressive neurological disease for which there is currently no cure. Adhering to good health habits can help manage symptoms and promote general health, but it cannot fundamentally alter the underlying disease course or progression.

Choice B rationale

Regular physical activity, stress reduction techniques, and avoiding fatigue are crucial components of managing multiple sclerosis. Exercise helps maintain muscle strength and mobility, stress can exacerbate symptoms, and fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom that needs active management to improve quality of life.

Choice C rationale

While mechanical aids may eventually be necessary for some individuals with progressive disability, focusing solely on practicing their use can promote a sense of hopelessness and prematurely emphasize limitations. The teaching plan should prioritize strategies that empower the patient to maintain current function and quality of life.

Choice D rationale

Telling a patient they need to accept a quiet and inactive lifestyle is not appropriate or beneficial. Promoting an active lifestyle within the patient's capabilities, encouraging social engagement, and focusing on adaptive strategies are essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being and preventing deconditioning.

Choice A rationale

Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for contact dermatitis. This inflammatory skin condition is characterized by a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, and corticosteroids reduce inflammation, pruritus, and erythema by suppressing the immune response, inhibiting cytokine release, and stabilizing lysosomal membranes, thus alleviating symptoms locally.

Choice B rationale

Intravenous corticosteroids are generally reserved for severe, widespread, or recalcitrant cases of contact dermatitis, or when there is significant systemic involvement, such as severe angioedema or airway compromise. For typical localized contact dermatitis, topical application is preferred to minimize systemic side effects.

Choice C rationale

Intravenous antibiotics are indicated for bacterial infections. Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory, non-infectious condition caused by exposure to an allergen or irritant. Therefore, antibiotics would not be a primary treatment unless there is a secondary bacterial infection complicating the dermatitis, which is not the typical initial presentation.

Choice D rationale

Oral antibiotics, like intravenous antibiotics, are used to treat bacterial infections. Contact dermatitis is not caused by bacteria but rather by an inflammatory immune response to external agents. Administering oral antibiotics without evidence of secondary bacterial infection would be inappropriate and ineffective for treating the underlying dermatitis.