Nurse Aide Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Maintaining hygiene for a resident with an indwelling catheter is crucial to prevent infections and complications. The most important aspect is ensuring the insertion area remains clean. This area is particularly vulnerable to contamination, and bacteria can easily enter the urinary tract, leading to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Proper hygiene practices, including using mild soap and water to cleanse the area around the catheter daily, significantly reduce the risk of infection.

While minimizing contact with the catheter and avoiding unnecessary catheter changes are also important, they are secondary to maintaining the cleanliness of the insertion site. Using scented soaps is not recommended as they can irritate the sensitive skin around the catheter and disrupt the natural flora, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Thus, the primary focus should always be on keeping the insertion site clean.