Final answer:
When performing Foley catheter cleansing care, nurses should use gentle soap and warm water, clean from the insertion site outward, wear sterile gloves, and ensure the area is dry. Careful attention to the cleanliness and sterility of equipment is crucial to prevent infections like the one experienced by Barbara.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a nurse caring for a client with a Foley catheter, catheter cleansing care is a crucial aspect of maintaining hygiene and preventing infection. The cleansing should be performed regularly using a gentle, non-abrasive soap and warm water. It is important to clean the catheter from where it enters the body and move outward, away from the insertion site to avoid introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. Sterile gloves should be worn, and the procedure should be conducted with utmost care to ensure that the catheter and surrounding area are kept clean and free of contaminants. Following the cleansing, the area should be dried thoroughly.
Attention to details such as ensuring equipment is sterile before use, and monitoring for signs of infection like redness, warmth, and fever, as depicted in the clinical scenario with Barbara, are vital. In Barbara's case, the presence of localized infection and fever suggested that bacteria may have been introduced during the catheterization or through improper care. Thus, it is essential that nurses carry out catheter care protocols diligently to prevent similar complications.