To reduce catheter-associated UTIs, which practice is essential?

• A. Remove the catheter promptly when no longer needed.
• B. Keep the catheter in place as long as possible.
• C. Use an open drainage system.
• D. Change the catheter every shift.

Answer: (A)

Reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections hinges on limiting how long the catheter stays in place. The longer a catheter remains, the greater the chance that bacteria can enter the bladder and form a biofilm on the catheter, which makes infection more likely. Removing the catheter as soon as it is no longer medically necessary minimizes this exposure time and lowers infection risk. Keeping the catheter in longer, using an open drainage system, or changing the catheter every shift all create more opportunities for contamination and disrupt sterile management, increasing infection risk instead of reducing it. So, the essential practice is prompt removal when it’s no longer needed.