In a female client recovering from exploratory laparotomy with an indwelling catheter, which intervention would help prevent a urinary tract infection?

• A. Maintaining a closed indwelling urinary catheter system and securing the catheter to the leg
• B. Irrigating the catheter every hour
• C. Replacing the catheter every shift
• D. Discontinuing catheter use immediately after surgery

Answer: (A)

Preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infection hinges on keeping the catheter drainage system closed and minimizing manipulation. A closed system that’s secured to the leg prevents dislodgement and reduces exposure of the urinary tract to external contaminants, lowering infection risk during recovery after surgery. Irrigating the catheter every hour disrupts sterile technique and can introduce bacteria or cause trauma, and replacing the catheter every shift adds handling that increases infection risk rather than prevents it. Removing the catheter immediately after surgery isn’t always appropriate and could lead to urinary retention or bladder distention if the patient can’t void yet. So, maintaining a closed, securely fastened catheter system best supports infection prevention.