Question

A nursing student is watching a nurse catheterize a female patient with an indwelling catheter. Which of the following, if it occurs, indicates a break in sterile technique? (Select all that apply.)

A. The nurse inserts the urinary catheter, and when urine does not return, removes the catheter and makes a second attempt to locate the urethra with the same catheter.
B. The nurse lubricates the catheter and places it back into the sterile tray when it uncoils and touches the bed.
C. After the nurse cleans the labia, the labia become slippery and close as the nurse attempts to obtain a clear view of the urethra.
D. The nurse advances the catheter another 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) after urine appears, releases the labia, and holds onto the catheter with the nondominant hand.
E. The nurse uses forceps and a new cotton ball when cleansing the area, wiping along the far labial fold, the near labial fold, and directly over the center of the urethral meatus.

Answer 1

Two indications of a break in sterile technique when catheterizing a female patient with an indwelling catheter are: 1) The labia become slippery and close after the nurse cleans them, and 2) The nurse uses forceps and multiple wipes on the same area.

Step-by-step explanation:

When catheterizing a female patient with an indwelling catheter, several indications of a break in sterile technique should be noted. A break in sterile technique can lead to infections and other complications. In this case, two of the possible indications of a break in sterile technique are:

1. After the nurse cleans the labia, the labia become slippery and close as the nurse attempts to obtain a clear view of the urethra. This indicates that the nurse may have touched the labia again after cleaning, which can introduce bacteria.
2. The nurse uses forceps and a new cotton ball when cleansing the area, wiping along the far labial fold, the near labial fold, and directly over the center of the urethral meatus. The use of forceps and multiple wipes on the same area can increase the risk of contamination.

It is important for healthcare professionals to adhere to strict sterile technique to minimize the risk of infections. Proper training and following established protocols can help prevent breaks in sterile technique.