Which statement indicates that patient teaching has been effective?

Question

1. "I should douche weekly to prevent a recurrence of my bacterial vaginosis."
2. "I can use this anti-yeast medication weekly to prevent another infection."
3. "My diabetes is unrelated to the frequency of my vaginal yeast infections."
4. "The fishy vaginal odor I have is caused by a bacterial infection."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Douching disrupts normal flora by washing out desirable bacteria; douching is not recommended.
Rationale 2: Medication for vaginal yeast infections should be used as treatment, not prophylaxis. Using medication as prescribed is important patient education. Medication should not be saved for future use.
Rationale 3: Yeast vaginitis is more common in diabetic and pre-diabetic women. Four episodes or more per year of yeast vaginitis are an indication to screen a woman for diabetes.
Rationale 4: Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a fishy vaginal odor and greenish discharge with a vaginal pH over 4.5.