Question

What precautions should be taken when caring for a patient with an indwelling catheter? a) Avoid venipunctures b) Apply dressings to recent wounds c) Monitor for signs of infection d) All of the above

Answer 1

Option C, monitor for signs of infection

Step-by-step explanation:

There are bacteria present on the external portions of the genitalia, some of which are pathogenic, meaning they have to ability to cause infection. The insertion of an indwelling catheter can push bacteria into the urethra where they can then proliferate within this anatomical tubing as well as within the bladder itself. Because of this possibility the healthcare worker should monitor for signs of infection when caring for a patient with an indwelling catheter. There is such an increasing trend in the phenomenon that is indwelling catheters leading to infection that it has developed its own term: CAUTI, or catheter-associated urinary tract infection.

Indwelling catheters do not require venipuncture nor do they require a dressing to be applied because they are not conventionally used for wounds.

Thus, when caring for a patient with an indwelling catheter, the healthcare worker should take precaution by monitoring for signs of infection, option C.