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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Catheter Associated UTI: Prevention & Expectations
      Category : Health Centers > Urinary System & Kidneys

Catheter Associated UTI

Catheter Associated UTI | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Pictures and Images | Attribution


What can be done to prevent the infection?

The best way to prevent catheter associated UTI's is to:

  • have the urinary catheter removed as soon as possible.
  • use intermittent catherization rather than leaving the urinary catheter in place continuously. With intermittent catheterization, the catheter is removed as soon as urine is drained from the bladder. Intermittent catheterization is done several times each day.
  • be sure the catheter is inserted under sterile conditions
  • apply an antibacterial ointment at the opening of the urethra
  • place the urinary drainage bag below the level of the bladder so that urine can flow easily into it
  • What are the long-term effects of the infection?

    Untreated urinary tract infections can lead to bacteremia. Bacteremia is a condition where bacteria enter the bloodstream. This can be a life threatening illness.

    What are the risks to others?

    A catheter associated urinary tract infection is not contagious.


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    Catheter Associated UTI: Diagnosis & Tests

     

    Catheter Associated UTI: Treatment & Monitoring

    Author: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 04/23/01









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009