Final answer:
To reduce the risk of infection, the IV tubing in the trash must be properly disposed of, preventing contamination and the spread of infectious agents. Proper sterilization, hand hygiene, and equipment disinfection are key to preventing infections like Roberta's UTI following surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The problem that needs to be corrected to reduce the risk of infection for this patient is the IV tubing in the trash. This can pose a significant risk of infection because improper disposal of IV tubing can lead to contamination and the potential spread of infectious agents. Ensuring that medical waste, especially items like IV tubing that come into direct contact with the bloodstream, is properly disposed of in designated biohazard containers is crucial in preventing hospital-acquired infections.
Bacteria could have been introduced to Roberta's urinary tract during her surgery through various means including non-sterile surgical instruments, contamination of the surgical area, or healthcare personnel not following stringent hand hygiene and aseptic techniques. Nosocomial infections are a serious concern and measures such as proper sterilization, hand hygiene, and equipment disinfection are key to preventing these infections.
The presence of a medical device such as a urinary catheter can promote the formation of biofilms, providing a conducive environment for bacteria to thrive and increasing the risk of infection. To prevent such occurrences, stringent protocols for the sterilization of all medical devices and proper hand hygiene must be followed.