Which statement best describes maintaining a closed drainage system?

• A. It reduces infection risk by limiting environmental exposure
• B. It eliminates the need to monitor urine output
• C. It must be replaced every 24 hours
• D. It prevents any catheter-related issues

Answer: (A)

Maintaining a closed drainage system centers on keeping the urinary drainage pathway sealed from the environment so bacteria cannot easily enter the catheter and ascend into the urinary tract. This setup reduces infection risk by limiting environmental exposure to the sterile urine pathway, which is why it’s the best choice. To keep it closed, avoid opening or disconnecting any part of the system, keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder, and use sterile technique if you must access the system or urine. It’s important to remember that this does not eliminate all catheter-related problems—you still need to monitor urine output to assess fluid balance and kidney function, and issues like blockages, leaks, or accidental disconnections can still occur. Replacement timing isn’t fixed at 24 hours; it depends on device type, policy, and clinical status.