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NCLEX · Reduction of Risk Potential

A client returns from surgery with a urinary catheter. Which nursing action best prevents catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)?

Correct answer

Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder, maintain a closed drainage system, and perform daily perineal hygiene — and advocate for catheter removal as soon as it is no longer needed

  1. A Irrigate the catheter every shift
  2. B Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder, maintain a closed drainage system, and perform daily perineal hygiene — and advocate for catheter removal as soon as it is no longer needed
  3. C Clamp the catheter intermittently
  4. D Change the catheter daily

Why this is the answer

CAUTI PREVENTION (one of the most common healthcare-associated infections): KEY MEASURES: Keep drainage bag BELOW bladder level (prevents backflow of contaminated urine); maintain a CLOSED drainage system (don't disconnect unnecessarily); secure the catheter to prevent movement and urethral trauma; daily perineal hygiene with soap and water; ensure unobstructed urine flow (no kinks/dependent loops); EARLY REMOVAL: The single most effective CAUTI prevention is removing the catheter as soon as it's no longer medically necessary — each catheter day increases infection risk; AVOID: Routine catheter irrigation (introduces pathogens); routine catheter changes (unnecessary manipulation); breaking the closed system; LPN ROLE: Maintain the system, monitor for infection signs (cloudy/foul urine, fever, suprapubic pain), advocate for removal during rounds.
Source: NCLEX-PN Physiological — Reduction of Risk, CAUTI Prevention

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