Which nursing action most effectively reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection in residents?

• A. Minimize catheter use and ensure proper catheter care
• B. Increase catheter use time
• C. Use prophylactic antibiotics for all catheters
• D. Ignore hand hygiene

Answer: (A)

Reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections hinges on limiting the time a catheter remains in place and keeping the catheter care truly meticulous. When a catheter is used only if medically necessary and removed as soon as it’s no longer needed, the duration of exposure to a device that can introduce bacteria is shortened, which directly lowers the chance that organisms ascend into the urinary tract.

Equally important is how the catheter is cared for. Maintaining a closed drainage system, keeping the urine collection bag below the level of the bladder and off the floor, preventing kinks or disconnections, and securing the catheter to minimize movement all help prevent contamination and trauma that can introduce bacteria. Hand hygiene before any catheter manipulation is essential, as is daily assessment of the ongoing need for the catheter with prompt removal when it’s no longer required.

Other approaches, like using antibiotics prophylactically for all catheters, do not prevent infection and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Increasing the duration of catheter use or neglecting hygiene would raise the risk of infection, not reduce it.