Which practice is essential in indwelling urinary catheter care?

• A. Maintain a closed drainage system
• B. Change the catheter every 24 hours
• C. Secure the catheter loosely
• D. Irrigate the catheter with tap water every hour

Answer: (A)

Maintaining a closed drainage system is essential because it preserves the sterile barrier between the urinary tract and the environment, dramatically reducing the risk of introducing bacteria that cause catheter-associated infections. When the system stays closed, bacteria on the skin or in the environment cannot easily travel up the catheter into the bladder. Keeping the collection bag below the level of the bladder, avoiding unnecessary openings or handling, and securing connections helps maintain continuous, sterile drainage and minimizes contamination.

Other practices do not fit routine care. Changing the catheter every 24 hours unnecessarily increases trauma and infection risk. Securing the catheter loosely can allow movement, tugging, or dislodgement, which can irritate or injure the urethra. Irrigating with tap water every hour is unsafe and unnecessary; irrigation, if done at all, should be with sterile solutions and only as ordered.