Which statement best describes a key feature of closed sterile technique during catheter care?

Which statement best describes a key feature of closed sterile technique during catheter care?

• A. Keeping the catheter and drainage bag closed to the collection system to prevent contamination.
• B. Disconnecting the drainage bag to check urine more often.
• C. Reusing contaminated gloves for the next patient.
• D. Removing gloves before finishing the procedure.

Answer: (A)

Maintaining a closed drainage system during catheter care is essential to prevent contamination and infection. Keeping the catheter and drainage bag connected to the collection system preserves a sterile pathway, so environmental bacteria can’t easily enter the urinary tract as the system is manipulated. Opening or disconnecting the bag breaks that barrier and increases the risk of catheter-associated infection. Glove use is also about protecting both you and the patient; gloves should not be reused if contaminated, and you should complete the procedure with proper hygiene and sterile technique to keep surfaces and the system clean. Removing gloves early or reusing contaminated gloves would expose the sterile field and raise the infection risk.

Maintaining a closed drainage system during catheter care is essential to prevent contamination and infection. Keeping the catheter and drainage bag connected to the collection system preserves a sterile pathway, so environmental bacteria can’t easily enter the urinary tract as the system is manipulated. Opening or disconnecting the bag breaks that barrier and increases the risk of catheter-associated infection. Glove use is also about protecting both you and the patient; gloves should not be reused if contaminated, and you should complete the procedure with proper hygiene and sterile technique to keep surfaces and the system clean. Removing gloves early or reusing contaminated gloves would expose the sterile field and raise the infection risk.