Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Infection Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Infection related questions and content

A family member of a client in a long-term care facility asks why the nurse cannot insert a catheter so the client will not develop skin breakdown from being wet. What should the explanation include when the nurse responds to the family member?

  • A. Catheters are no longer used for treatment of incontinence.
  • B. Older adult residents are able to have catheters inserted if the family requests them.
  • C. The invasive nature of the catheter provides a portal for infection.
  • D. If a catheter is inserted, it must be flushed with normal saline daily.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Catheters provide a portal for infection because they are invasive. Although catheters are not used as frequently in older adults for the control of urinary incontinence, there are some bed-confined clients who use them. Family requests for catheters may be considered, but physicians make the decision if it will benefit the client. Catheters are not flushed daily with anything.