What instruction should a nurse provide to a client diagnosed with a urinary tract infection?

When addressing a urinary tract infection (UTI), the instruction to urinate after intercourse is particularly important because it helps flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sexual activity. This practice can significantly reduce the risk of developing a UTI, especially in individuals who are prone to such infections.

Increased fluid intake is generally recommended to facilitate the flushing of bacteria from the urinary tract, but the focus on post-coital urination specifically targets a critical time when the risk of UTI can increase. This practice should be emphasized to patients as part of a broader strategy for UTI prevention.

The other strategies listed, such as recording fluid intake and urinary output, voiding at regular intervals, or using warm water, while they may offer supportive measures in managing discomfort or monitoring condition status, do not directly address the immediate risk factors associated with sexual activity and UTI development in the same way that urinating after intercourse does.