QLexNursing

Educate the child about proper perineal hygiene → ✅ Anticipated

🌊 Perineal hygiene education is a frontline preventive strategy for UTIs in children, particularly females.

🌊 Teaching the child to wipe front to back reduces bacterial transfer from the rectal area to the urethra.

🌊 Encouraging the child to void regularly and avoid holding urine also minimizes bacterial proliferation.

🌊 Hygiene education is essential in promoting self-care, preventing recurrence, and reducing caregiver burden.

Administer sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (TMP-SMX) → ✅ Anticipated

🌊 TMP-SMX is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly prescribed for UTIs caused by Escherichia coli, the most frequent uropathogen in children.

🌊 It works by inhibiting bacterial folic acid synthesis, disrupting DNA production.

🌊 The dosage of 8 mg TMP/kg/day PO aligns with pediatric dosing standards and should be administered consistently for the full course to avoid resistance.

🌊 Nurses must monitor for allergic reactions or gastrointestinal disturbances, which are common side effects.

Administer salicylic acid for pain and fever → ❌ Contraindicated

🌊 Salicylic acid is a topical keratolytic agent used for skin conditions (e.g., warts, acne), not systemic use.

🌊 It is not approved for pain or fever management, and its systemic absorption in children may cause toxicity.

🌊 Furthermore, medications in the salicylate class (e.g., aspirin) pose a risk of Reye syndrome in children recovering from viral illnesses.

🌊 Appropriate antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are preferred for pediatric fever management.

Ensure the child receives a maximum of 1,200 mL/day of fluid → ❌ Contraindicated

🌊 Restricting fluid intake contradicts UTI management principles, which focus on hydration to promote urinary flow and flushing of bacteria.

🌊 Adequate fluid intake helps dilute the urine, alleviating bladder irritation and promoting complete voiding.

🌊 Limiting fluid to 1,200 mL/day in a 7-year-old is inappropriate and may prolong infection or increase discomfort.

🌊 The goal is to encourage frequent urination, not fluid restriction.

Advise the child’s guardian about the use of sunscreen → ✅ Anticipated

🌊 Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim increases the risk of photosensitivity reactions, including sunburn and rashes.

🌊 Educating the caregiver about sun protection — such as broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure — prevents photoallergic reactions.

🌊 This is especially important in active children who may spend extended time outdoors during therapy.