Question

a client receives a prescription for sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim for a urinary tract infection (uti). which instruction should the nurse provide the client?

a ingest food prior to taking the antibiotic.

b take the medication with grapefruit juice.

c drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

d avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Explanation:

• Option A: Sulfamethoxazole - trimethoprim can be taken with or without food, so ingesting food prior is not a necessary instruction.
• Option B: Grapefruit juice can interact with many medications, but there is no indication that it should be used with this antibiotic. In fact, it's generally not recommended to take medications with grapefruit juice without specific instructions.
• Option C: Sulfamethoxazole - trimethoprim can cause crystalluria (formation of crystals in the urine). Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day helps to flush the urinary system and prevent this complication. This is a key instruction for clients taking this medication for a UTI.
• Option D: While some antibiotics can cause photosensitivity, sulfamethoxazole - trimethoprim is not typically associated with a high risk of photosensitivity requiring avoidance of sunlight. Other antibiotics like tetracyclines are more associated with photosensitivity.

Answer:

C. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.