Final answer:
CAUTIs result in adverse outcomes such as increased illness and death rates, higher healthcare expenses, and extended hospitalization. They are a type of nosocomial infection, which can be severe due to drug-resistant bacteria and compromised immune systems in patients. UTIs, generally caused by Escherichia coli, are influenced by various risk factors and can involve numerous parts of the urinary system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) lead to various negative outcomes including increased morbidity and mortality, higher hospital costs, and longer hospital stays. The introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract, predominantly from the patient's own gut flora, is a common cause of these infections. CAUTIs are considered a type of nosocomial, or hospital-acquired, infection which can be particularly severe due to the prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria in the hospital setting and the weakened immune systems of many patients. Preventing these infections through proper hygiene and sterile techniques is crucial, as they significantly affect patient recovery and healthcare resources.
UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections and can affect the urethra, bladder, and kidneys. Factors such as female anatomy, elderly age, underlying conditions like ,prostatitis or kidney stones, or the use of urinary catheters can increase the risk of UTIs. The majority of UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli, which are part of the normal gut microbiota.