A urinary catheter is an indwelling tube that runs through the urethra and into the bladder allowing for the passive drainage of urine from the bladder. Indwelling urinary catheters put patients at risk for infections when bacteria travel up the tubing and into the bladder (Carter, et.al, 2014). The use of indwelling urinary catheters in hospitalized patients presents an increased risk of the development of complications, including catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). With regard to the risk of developing a CAUTI, the greatest factor is the length of time the catheter is in situ. This paper will discuss the effect of timely removal of catheter, in reducing the risk of catheter associated urinary tract infection compared to
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Although not all catheter-associated urinary tract infections can be prevented, it is believed that a large number could be avoided by properly managing indwelling catheters (Stokowski, 2009). Limiting catheter use and, when a catheter is indicated, minimizing the duration the catheter remains in place are primary strategies for CAUTI prevention. The SHEA/IDSA guidelines recommend that other methods for urinary management, such as condom catheters or in-and-out catheterization, should be considered before indwelling catheters are used. (Stokowski, …show more content…
Catheter removal reminder systems are the most consistently effective interventions. Several studies have shown that interventions based on face to- face, paper-based, or educational reminders to remove urinary catheters can significantly reduce catheter duration and rates of CAUTI (Blodgett, 2009). Nurse led interventions utilize nursing staff (charge nurse, clinical nurse specialist, or staff nurses) to assess, after a set period of time, whether an indwelling urinary catheter is still indicated for the patient (Blodgett, 2009). This leads to a decision to discontinue or continue the catheter through collaborative discussion with the physician or use of a standing order. The provision of adequate information to patients who need short-term catheterization linked to formalized consent will increase patients’ knowledge and may help reduce the catheter duration (Blodgett,
Although not all catheter-associated urinary tract infections can be prevented, it is believed that a large number could be avoided by properly managing indwelling catheters (Stokowski, 2009). Limiting catheter use and, when a catheter is indicated, minimizing the duration the catheter remains in place are primary strategies for CAUTI prevention. The SHEA/IDSA guidelines recommend that other methods for urinary management, such as condom catheters or in-and-out catheterization, should be considered before indwelling catheters are used. (Stokowski, …show more content…
Catheter removal reminder systems are the most consistently effective interventions. Several studies have shown that interventions based on face to- face, paper-based, or educational reminders to remove urinary catheters can significantly reduce catheter duration and rates of CAUTI (Blodgett, 2009). Nurse led interventions utilize nursing staff (charge nurse, clinical nurse specialist, or staff nurses) to assess, after a set period of time, whether an indwelling urinary catheter is still indicated for the patient (Blodgett, 2009). This leads to a decision to discontinue or continue the catheter through collaborative discussion with the physician or use of a standing order. The provision of adequate information to patients who need short-term catheterization linked to formalized consent will increase patients’ knowledge and may help reduce the catheter duration (Blodgett,