CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyHard
A nurse aide is providing care for a resident with a urinary catheter. To prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI), what is the most important action the nurse aide should take?
- APerform perineal care and catheter care regularly.
- BEnsure the drainage bag is always kept above the level of the bladder.
- CChange the catheter and drainage bag daily.
- DClamp the catheter tubing for 30 minutes every 4 hours.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Perform perineal care and catheter care regularly.
Regular and proper perineal care and catheter care are crucial for preventing UTIs in residents with indwelling catheters. This reduces the bacterial load around the meatus and along the catheter, minimizing the risk of bacteria entering the bladder.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The drainage bag should always be kept BELOW the level of the bladder to prevent backflow of urine into the bladder, not above.
- C. Catheters and drainage bags are not changed daily; they are changed according to facility policy or physician's order, typically less frequently than daily.
- D. Clamping the catheter tubing is done for specific medical reasons (e.g., bladder training, specimen collection) and should never be done routinely without a physician's order, as it can increase UTI risk.
Catheter Care UTI Prevention
Consistent and correct perineal and catheter care is essential for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
- Clean around the meatus and catheter tubing.
- Always wipe away from the meatus.
- Keep drainage bag below bladder level.
Memory trick: Clean Catheters Carefully, Constantly.