What is the recommended approach to daily catheter care to minimize infection?

• A. Maintain a closed drainage system, clean per protocol, and avoid unnecessary disconnections
• B. Disconnect the system for cleaning every shift
• C. Open the drainage system during transport
• D. Skip cleaning protocols

Answer: (A)

Preventing catheter-associated infections comes down to preserving a closed drainage system and using sterile, consistent care. Keeping the system closed prevents external bacteria from entering the catheter, and any unnecessary disconnections or opening the system can allow pathogens to travel up into the bladder. Cleaning around the catheter per protocol maintains a sterile environment at the insertion site and on the catheter itself, reducing microbial load. Transporting with the system open or skipping cleaning steps breaks these protections and increases infection risk. So the best approach is to maintain a closed system, clean per protocol, and avoid unnecessary disconnections.