Final answer:
The priority action to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infection in a client with a urinary catheter is proper hand hygiene before and after client care. This practice is essential in healthcare settings and is critical in preventing the transmission of infections, including those that may arise from an indwelling catheter.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority for the nurse to reduce the client's risk of developing a healthcare-associated infection with an indwelling urinary catheter in place is to ensure proper hand hygiene before and after caring for the client. Although cleaning the catheter insertion site with antiseptic solution daily, emptying the urinary drainage bag regularly, and maintaining a closed urinary drainage system are also important measures, hand hygiene is fundamental in preventing the transmission of healthcare-associated infections. By doing so, the nurse minimizes the risk of transferring pathogens to the indwelling catheter and thus significantly reduces the chance of a urinary tract infection or a more systemic infection.
Handwashing is known to be one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections, especially in healthcare settings. As infallible as medical protocols might be, the human element in carrying out these procedures can present a risk. In the context of urinary catheterization, strict adherence to hand hygiene protocols is even of greater importance, considering the direct contact with a site where pathogens can easily enter and cause infection.