In cleansing the perineal area around the site of catheter insertion, the nurse would:

Question

Options

• AWipe the catheter toward the urinary meatus
• BWipe the catheter away from the urinary meatus
• CApply a small amount of talcum powder after drying the perineal area
• DGently insert the catheter another 12 inch after cleansing to prevent irritation from the balloon

• A
  3% (1)
• B
  94% (31)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

(A) Wiping toward the urinary meatus would transport microorganisms from the external tubing to the urethra, thereby increasing the risk of bladder infection. (B) Wiping away from the urinary meatus would remove microorganisms from the point of insertion of the catheter, thereby decreasing the risk of bladder infection. (C) Talcum powder should not be applied following catheter care, because powders contribute to moisture retention and infection likelihood. (D) The catheter should never be inserted further into the urethra, because this would serve no useful purpose and would increase the risk of infection.

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