Mrs. Flowers has an 18 Fr. indwelling catheter for at least one month following a urological procedure. Which of the following statements would be included in your discharge education to reduce the risk of CAUTI or complications?

Mrs. Flowers has an 18 Fr. indwelling catheter for at least one month following a urological procedure. Which of the following statements would be included in your discharge education to reduce the risk of CAUTI or complications?

• A. Bypassing of urine around the catheter is to be expected
• B. Amount and type of fluids do not impact risk of complications
• C. Keep the drainage bag above the level of the bladder at all times
• D. Anchor the catheter at the bifurcation to the upper inner thigh at all times

Answer: (D)

Key idea: securing and managing an indwelling catheter properly is essential to prevent movement, traction, and backflow that can increase infection risk and complications. By keeping the catheter stable, you reduce urethral irritation, accidental pulling, and dislodgement, all of which help protect the bladder and urinary tract during long-term use. Anchoring the catheter at the bifurcation to the upper inner thigh provides a secure, comfortable point that minimizes tugging on the catheter as the patient moves. This location keeps the tubing from pulling on the urethra, reduces chances of accidental dislodgement, and helps prevent kinks or pulls that could disrupt drainage. Using a securement method in this area (or another appropriate external securing device) maintains a steady drainage path and supports overall catheter stability, which lowers the risk of trauma and infection. Bypassing urine around the catheter is not expected and signals drainage problems that should be promptly addressed rather than taught as normal. Expecting no impact from fluids is inaccurate; staying adequately hydrated supports regular urine flow and drainage, which can influence infection risk and overall urinary health. Keeping the drainage bag above bladder level is incorrect because it can promote backflow into the bladder, increasing infection risk; the bag should be kept below bladder level to allow proper drainage.

Key idea: securing and managing an indwelling catheter properly is essential to prevent movement, traction, and backflow that can increase infection risk and complications. By keeping the catheter stable, you reduce urethral irritation, accidental pulling, and dislodgement, all of which help protect the bladder and urinary tract during long-term use.

Anchoring the catheter at the bifurcation to the upper inner thigh provides a secure, comfortable point that minimizes tugging on the catheter as the patient moves. This location keeps the tubing from pulling on the urethra, reduces chances of accidental dislodgement, and helps prevent kinks or pulls that could disrupt drainage. Using a securement method in this area (or another appropriate external securing device) maintains a steady drainage path and supports overall catheter stability, which lowers the risk of trauma and infection.

Bypassing urine around the catheter is not expected and signals drainage problems that should be promptly addressed rather than taught as normal. Expecting no impact from fluids is inaccurate; staying adequately hydrated supports regular urine flow and drainage, which can influence infection risk and overall urinary health. Keeping the drainage bag above bladder level is incorrect because it can promote backflow into the bladder, increasing infection risk; the bag should be kept below bladder level to allow proper drainage.