How to Prevent a Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI)

What is a Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection?

A Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection, or CAUTI, is an infection that occurs when bacteria travels through the lumen of the urinary catheter to the bladder. It is the most common infection of inpatient hospitalizations. It is also the fourth leading cause of hospital acquired infections. It is said that the longer the catheter is in place, which is technically more than fourteen days, the more prone one is for infection. In reality, most CAUTI’s occur within 48 hours of indwelling catheter placement.

How can CAUTI’s be Prevented?

The best way evidence-practice has showed us to prevent a CAUTI is to remove the indwelling catheter as soon as possible. Like the video says, washing your hands before and after catheter care is another way to prevent a CAUTI. Lastly, proper catheter care is needed throughout the duration. Correct techniques on how to do so are as follows:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Using mild soap and water, or peri wipes clean the genital area.
  • Clean the urethra where the catheter meets the body.
  • Clean the catheter from where it enters the body and then down, away from the body.
  • Rinse the area and dab to dry.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water.

Who can remove an indwelling catheter when it is no longer needed?

Evidence-based practice shows that removing the catheter as soon as possible, or within seven days, is the best way to prevent a CAUTI. This can be done by the nurse in a hospital setting, even without a doctor’s order. It is based on the nurse’s discretion.

But what about the individuals that need to have a catheter long-term? Well, following the above steps in the text box is the best way to clean a catheter. It is also best to not continuously switch the bags between a leg bag and nighttime bag (as shown in the photo above). Studies have shown that is another way CAUTI’s are occurring. If all of these steps are met, the individual with a long-term catheter should not have any issues. Always seek advise from the physician that ordered the catheter and if need be in a medical emergency situation, seek care at your local hospital. 

More on CAUTI’s can be found in the following articles.

References

Ferguson, A. (2020). Implementing a CAUTI prevention program in an acute care hospital setting. Med-Surg Matters, 29(2), 4-12.

Gyesi-Appiah, E., Brown, J., & Clifton, A. (2020). Short-term urinary catheters and their risks: An integrated systemic review. British Journal of Community Nursing. 25(11), 538-544. DOI: 10.12968/bjcn.2020.25.11.538

McNeill, L. (2017). Back to basics: How evidence-based nursing practice can prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Urologic Nursing, 37(4), 204-206. DOI: 10.7257/1053-816X.2017.37.4.204

Yatim, J., Wong, K-S., Ling, M-L., Tan, S-B., Tan, K-Y., & Hockenberry, M. (2016). A nurse-driven process for timely removal of urinary catheters. International Journal of Urological Nursing, 10(3), 167-172. DOI: 10.1111/ijun.12113