A hospitalized client has an indwelling urinary catheter placed after surgery. Which nursing action best reduces catheter-associated urinary tract infection risk?
1Disconnect the drainage tubing each shift to check flow.
2Keep the drainage bag above the bladder while walking.
3Assess daily whether the catheter is still needed.✓ Correct answer
4Irrigate the catheter every 2 hours without an order.
Explanation
Daily assessment of catheter necessity supports prompt removal and reduces catheter days, a major CAUTI prevention strategy. The drainage system should remain closed, and the bag should stay below bladder level. Routine irrigation without indication increases risk.
In-depth explanation
Clinical Judgment The safest catheter is the one that is removed as soon as it is no longer needed.
Memory Tip Closed system, bag below bladder, remove early.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide CAUTI prevention includes appropriate indications, aseptic insertion, closed drainage, unobstructed flow, and timely removal.
Caution Breaking the closed system can introduce organisms.