Which action is NOT appropriate when assisting a resident with catheter care?

Which action is NOT appropriate when assisting a resident with catheter care?

• A. Follow facility policy.
• B. Maintain clean technique around the meatus.
• C. Keep drainage bag below bladder level and off the floor.
• D. Remove the catheter by pulling gently.

Answer: (D)

Catheter care aims to prevent infection and injury by using sterile technique, securing the catheter, and following facility policies. Pulling gently to remove the catheter is not appropriate because it can cause urethral or bladder trauma, bleeding, and introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and possibly requiring re‑insertion. Removal should only occur under proper medical orders and according to established procedures, not by a caregiver simply pulling on the catheter. The other actions are appropriate: following facility policy ensures consistent, safe care; maintaining clean technique around the meatus helps prevent infection; keeping the drainage bag below bladder level and off the floor reduces backflow and contamination.

Catheter care aims to prevent infection and injury by using sterile technique, securing the catheter, and following facility policies. Pulling gently to remove the catheter is not appropriate because it can cause urethral or bladder trauma, bleeding, and introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and possibly requiring re‑insertion. Removal should only occur under proper medical orders and according to established procedures, not by a caregiver simply pulling on the catheter.

The other actions are appropriate: following facility policy ensures consistent, safe care; maintaining clean technique around the meatus helps prevent infection; keeping the drainage bag below bladder level and off the floor reduces backflow and contamination.