A nurse cares for a middle-aged female client with diabetes mellitus who is being treated for the third episode of acute pyelonephritis in the past year.The client asks,"What can I do to help prevent these infections?" How should the nurse respond?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clients with long-standing diabetes mellitus are at risk for pyelonephritis for many reasons.Chronically elevated blood glucose levels spill glucose into the urine,changing the pH and providing a favorable climate for bacterial growth.The neuropathy associated with diabetes reduces bladder tone and reduces the client's sensation of bladder fullness.Thus,even with large amounts of urine,the client voids less frequently,allowing stasis and overgrowth of microorganisms.Increasing fluid intake (specifically water)and voiding frequently prevent stasis and bacterial overgrowth.Testing urine and using tampons will not help prevent pyelonephritis.A hemoglobin A?c of 9% is too high.

A Nurse Cares for a Middle-Aged Female Client with Diabetes