Answer:
1-Insert a urethral catheter only when indicated, and remove it at the earliest possible time.
2-Maintain good hand hygiene and use gloves before manipulating the catheter. Dispose of gloves and promptly wash hands after contact with the patient and catheter.
3-Maintain a closed drainage system; any opening creates an entry route for bacteria, which can lead to infection.
4-Perform meatal care twice daily using soap and water and working from the front to the back of the perineal area.
5-Avoid unnecessary irrigation, which hasn’t been proven to decrease bacteriuria.
6-Secure the catheter. Although little evidence exists to support any particular method, securing the catheter may prevent meatal and urethral irritation, tension on the catheter, bladder-neck trauma, and urethral tearing. It also improves patient comfort and decreases the risk of inadvertent dislodgement.
7-Check the tubing for kinks to ensure that urine flows unobstructed into the drainage bag.
8-Empty the urine collection bag regularly, using a separate container for each patient. Never let the spigot and nonsterile collecting container come into contact, as this can introduce bacteria.
9-Keep the collection bag below bladder level to prevent backflow of contaminated urine.
