Prevention of indwelling catheter-associated urinary tract infections

Abstract

The use of indwelling urethral catheters has become a common aspect of patient care, but they can be a source of infection. Nurses can help to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections by using aseptic technique on insertion, following best practice in ongoing care and promptly removing catheters. The urinary catheter assessment and monitoring form (UCAM) is used at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester, to remind staff of best practice and promote their early removal.

Infection Control in the Use of Urethral Catheter: Knowledge and Practises of Nurses

“…urinary catheter), and poor staff adherence to infection prevention practises during insertion and care for the devices when in place. 5 There are specific risk profiles for each device, but generally the breakdown of aseptic technique during the insertion and care for the device, as well as the duration of device use, are important factors for the development of these serious and costly infections. Most often it is observed that a patient comes to hospital for treatment of particular arrangement, but has acquired on infection prolonging and has hospital stay, sometimes leading to septicemia, multisystem organ failure, and death.…”

“…10 CAUTI can lead to such complications as prostatitis, epididymitis, and orchids in males, and cystitis and pyelonephritis, gram-negative bacteremia, endocarditis, vertebral osteomyelitis in overall patients. 5 Complications associated with CAUTI cause discomfort to the patients, prolonged hospital stays, and increased cost and mortality. It has been estimated that each year, more than 13,000 deaths are associated with UTIs.…”

An Evidence-Based Approach to the Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Track Infections

“…Further recommendations from Matteucci and Pravikoff (2012) include keeping catheter tubing and the collection bag below the level of the bladder at all times, avoiding kinks and clamps in the catheter tubing, using the small est size French catheter possible, and ensuring that the patient has adequate fluid intake. Dailly (2011) affirmed the importance of catheterizing pa tients only when absolutely nec essary. A typical flaw is not using aseptic technique for insertion.…”

“…Dailly (2011) reported that as many as one nurse in six used multiuse lubricant from a tube for catheter insertion rather than a single-use packet, increasing the risk of contamination from the multiuse tube. Dailly (2011) also noted the importance of establishing a closed system in which a leg collection bag is con nected directly to the catheter, and the night bag is attached to the base of the leg bag rather than at the catheter end to keep bacte ria as far away from the catheter opening as possible. Dailly (2011) also stressed the critical importance of maintaining excel lent hygiene both by the patient and by all caregivers.…”

“…Dailly (2011) also noted the importance of establishing a closed system in which a leg collection bag is con nected directly to the catheter, and the night bag is attached to the base of the leg bag rather than at the catheter end to keep bacte ria as far away from the catheter opening as possible. Dailly (2011) also stressed the critical importance of maintaining excel lent hygiene both by the patient and by all caregivers. Finally, Dailly (2011) suggested prompt removal of the catheter as soon as the medical necessity for it passed.…”