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NCLEX · Safety and Infection Control

A nurse is preparing to insert a urinary catheter. Which action is MOST important to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Maintain strict sterile technique throughout the insertion procedure and maintain a closed drainage system — CAUTIs are a major preventable healthcare-associated infection; the majority are preventable with proper insertion technique and maintenance

  1. A Rinse the catheter with tap water before insertion
  2. B Use sterile technique only for the first hour
  3. C Change the catheter every 24 hours routinely
  4. D Maintain strict sterile technique throughout the insertion procedure and maintain a closed drainage system — CAUTIs are a major preventable healthcare-associated infection; the majority are preventable with proper insertion technique and maintenance

Why this is the answer

Cauti prevention bundle:

Indications: Only insert when medically necessary — review daily whether continued catheterisation is needed.

Insertion technique:

Sterile: sterile gloves, draping, catheter; cleanse with antiseptic; insert without contamination.

Closed drainage: Never disconnect catheter from drainage bag (without specific indication); use a preconnected closed system.

Drainage bag management: Keep below bladder level at all times; empty regularly (never allow to fill completely); do not place on floor; don't kink or obstruct tubing.

Care and maintenance: Daily periurethral cleansing (soap and water).

Avoid: Irrigation unless ordered for obstruction; routine catheter changes on schedule (change only when indicated: obstruction, soiled, malfunction).

Documentation: Date of insertion; indication; daily reassessment of continued need.

Impact: CAUTIs account for ~30% of all healthcare-associated infections; each CAUTI adds ~$600-700 in hospital costs and increases patient morbidity; many are considered 'never events' when proper protocols are followed.

Source: NCLEX-PN Safe Care — Infection Control, CAUTI Prevention

Practice more questions

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About this topic: Safety and Infection Control

Safety and infection control questions cover Standard and transmission-based precautions, hand hygiene, fall and injury prevention, restraints, fire safety and handling hazardous materials. This is one of 35 PN: Coordinated Care questions on safety and infection control, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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