Question

A nurse is assisting with implementing an infection control manual for clients at risk for catheter associated urinary tract infections. Which of the following intervention should the nurse include in the bundle?

1) Hand hygiene before and after catheter care
2) Using sterile technique during catheter insertion
3) Maintaining a closed urinary drainage system
4) Emptying the urinary drainage bag once a week

Answer 1

To prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections, nurses should prioritize hand hygiene, use sterile technique during insertion, and maintain a closed urinary drainage system. Drainage bags should also be emptied regularly, not just once a week.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse implementing an infection control manual for clients at risk for catheter associated urinary tract infections should include the following interventions in the prevention bundle:

1. Hand hygiene before and after catheter care to prevent the transmission of bacteria to and from the catheter site.
2. Using sterile technique during catheter insertion to prevent the introduction of pathogens into the urinary tract.
3. Maintaining a closed urinary drainage system to reduce the risk of pathogen entry through connections that might otherwise be opened for drainage.
4. Drainage bags should be emptied more frequently than once a week to prevent bacterial growth; therefore, number 4 is not a recommended intervention. The urinary bag should be emptied at least once every 8 hours or when it is two-thirds full and always using a clean technique to prevent contamination.