# A client had an indwelling urinary catheter placed for surgery yesterday. The client is now awake, ambulating, and voiding is expected. Which action best reduces infection risk?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397333&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Safe Use of Equipment  
> category: SIPC

## Question

A client had an indwelling urinary catheter placed for surgery yesterday. The client is now awake, ambulating, and voiding is expected. Which action best reduces infection risk?

## Option

1. Keep the catheter until discharge for convenience.
2. Irrigate the catheter every 2 hours.
3. Remove the catheter promptly if there is no ongoing indication. **✔ Correct answer**
4. Clamp the catheter for 8 hours before removal.

**Correct answer: 3**

## Explanation

The most effective way to reduce catheter-associated infection risk is to avoid unnecessary catheter use and remove the catheter promptly when it is no longer indicated. Routine irrigation, prolonged use for convenience, or clamping does not reduce infection risk.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Prompt catheter removal.

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 Prompt catheter removal, 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

- **Device Necessity** — The ongoing clinical reason for keeping an invasive device in place.
- **Indwelling Catheter** — A urinary catheter that remains in the bladder for continuous drainage.
- **Prompt Removal** — Removing a device as soon as it is no longer clinically needed.

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