Nurse Vic is monitoring fluid intake/output for a female client recovering from exploratory laparotomy. Which nursing intervention would help prevent a urinary tract infection?

• A. Maintaining a closed indwelling urinary catheter system and securing the catheter to the leg
• B. Limiting fluid intake to 1 L/day
• C. Encouraging the client to use feminine deodorant after bathing
• D. Douche once a day after removal of the indwelling catheter.

Answer: (A)

Keeping the urinary drainage system closed is the most effective way to prevent a catheter-associated urinary tract infection. When the system remains closed, bacteria have fewer opportunities to enter the urinary tract, and there’s less need to open the circuit for drainage or sampling. Securing the catheter to the leg minimizes movement and traction, which reduces urethral irritation and the chance that bacteria can ascend along the catheter into the bladder.

Hydration status isn’t the protective focus here—limiting fluids doesn’t prevent infection and can even be harmful by concentrating urine and reducing urine flow. Personal hygiene products like feminine deodorants can irritate the perineal skin and aren’t protective, and douching after catheter removal can push bacteria toward the urethra rather than prevent infection.