Which practice helps prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?

• A. Aseptic insertion, proper catheter care, maintaining a closed drainage system, and timely removal when no longer needed.
• B. Prolonged catheter use for convenience.
• C. Daily bathing of the patient with soap.
• D. Regularly replacing catheter every 24 hours.

Answer: (B)

Preventing CAUTIs hinges on limiting bacteria entry and exposure time with the catheter. The most protective approach combines aseptic technique during insertion, careful ongoing catheter care, maintaining a closed drainage system, and removing the catheter as soon as it’s no longer needed. Aseptic insertion reduces the chance of introducing organisms right at the start. Proper catheter care minimizes site colonization and movement of microbes along the catheter. Maintaining a closed drainage system protects the sterile contents and reduces contamination risk. Removing the catheter promptly shortens the duration of exposure, which is the biggest factor in CAUTI risk.

Relying on prolonged catheter use for convenience increases infection risk by keeping the device in place longer. Daily bathing helps with general hygiene but doesn’t address contamination along the catheter or the integrity of the drainage system. Replacing the catheter every 24 hours isn’t evidence-based for preventing infection and can introduce bacteria during each handling.