Final answer:
The incidence of catheter-associated UTIs can be reduced by cleaning the prepuce or vestibule with antiseptic soap to minimize fecal contamination and the spread of bacteria to the urethra, rather than through other methods like flushing the catheter or lubricating the urethral orifice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be reduced by adopting proper hygienic practices that prevent the introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract. One such practice is cleaning the prepuce or vestibule with antiseptic soap, which can help minimize the risk of fecal contamination and the spread of bacteria (commonly Escherichia coli) to the urethra. Since UTIs often occur due to the introduction of bacteria from the lower gastrointestinal tract, maintaining good hygiene is crucial. Flushing the urinary catheter with sterile saline, taking frequent urine samples, or placing sterile lubricant over the urethral orifice do not directly minimize the risk of UTIs and may not follow recommended guidelines for catheter care.