Final answer:
The first action the nurse should take upon noticing crusting at the urinary meatus in a patient with an indwelling catheter is to clean the area to prevent infection, with documentation following the cleaning procedure. Applying ointment is appropriate only after cleaning.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a nurse notices crusting at the urinary meatus of a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter, the first action should be to cleanse the area. Reports of infection and pus in various medical scenarios suggest that proper hygiene is foundational in preventing and managing infections. For instance, in a case where a camp nurse observes pus oozing from a lesion, cleansing is a critical step before dressing the wound.
Similarly, with urinary catheters, cleaning can prevent further infection and ensure the comfort and health of the patient. Documentation of the crusting would follow the cleaning process to keep accurate records of the patient's condition. Applying more ointment may be appropriate only after the area has been cleaned and evaluated for signs of infection. Referring to instances of infections such as UTIs, wound infections, or blood-borne infections, as noted in the clinical focus scenarios provided, cleaning is a consistent initial response to signs of potential infection.