# A client has an indwelling urinary catheter after surgery. Which nursing action helps reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infection risk?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396606&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Emergency Response Plan  
> category: SIPC

## Question

A client has an indwelling urinary catheter after surgery. Which nursing action helps reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infection risk?

## Option

1. Disconnect the drainage tubing every shift to empty retained urine.
2. Keep the drainage bag below bladder level and remove the catheter as soon as clinically appropriate. **✔ Correct answer**
3. Place the drainage bag on the bed to prevent pulling.
4. Irrigate the catheter every hour without a prescription.

**Correct answer: 2**

## Explanation

CAUTI prevention includes maintaining a closed system, keeping the bag below bladder level, preventing dependent loops, and removing the catheter promptly when no longer indicated. Disconnecting tubing and placing the bag on the bed increase contamination or backflow risk.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits CAUTI prevention.

Memory Tip
Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.

KR vs US
NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For CAUTI prevention, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **Indwelling Urinary Catheter** — A catheter left in the bladder to drain urine continuously.
- **CAUTI** — Catheter-associated urinary tract infection.
- **Closed Drainage System** — A catheter drainage setup kept sealed to reduce contamination.

## Related questions

- [A client has an indwelling urinary catheter after surgery. Which nursing action helps redu…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396605&lang=en)

## Read in another language

- [en](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396606&lang=en)
- [ko](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396606&lang=ko)
- [ja](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396606&lang=ja)
- [zh-TW](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396606&lang=zh-tw)
- [vi](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396606&lang=vi)

---

More free questions: [NCLEX-RN Practice](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_bank.php?lang=en)

_For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols._