What is essential in urinary catheter care to prevent infection?

• A. Maintain perineal hygiene, secure catheter, keep bag below bladder level, keep drainage system closed, empty bag regularly, watch for signs of infection.
• B. Keep drainage bag above bladder level.
• C. Disconnect drainage to relieve pressure.
• D. Avoid perineal hygiene.

Answer: (A)

Preventing catheter-associated infections relies on keeping the urine drainage system clean, closed, and positioned to prevent backflow, while also reducing contamination at the urethral opening. Maintaining perineal hygiene reduces bacteria near the meatus; securing the catheter prevents movement that can irritate the urethra and introduce organisms; keeping the drainage bag below the bladder level uses gravity to prevent urine from flowing back toward the bladder; keeping the drainage system closed means not disconnecting or opening it, which would expose the system to bacteria; and emptying the bag regularly prevents overfill and potential backflow. Monitoring for signs of infection helps catch issues early. These practices together minimize contamination and infection risk.