A 60-year-old man is hospitalized for a complicated hip fracture requiring surgical repair following a fall. His medical problems include prostate cancer, gout, and osteoarthritis. An indwelling urinary catheter is placed due to initial urinary retention and immobilization following the surgery. On the eighth day of hospitalization, the patient develops fever and altered mental status. After evaluation and laboratory testing, a urinary tract infection is diagnosed. Which of the following is the most effective strategy for preventing this complication?

Question

A 60-year-old man is hospitalized for a complicated hip fracture requiring surgical repair following a fall.  His medical problems include prostate cancer, gout, and osteoarthritis.  An indwelling urinary catheter is placed due to initial urinary retention and immobilization following the surgery.  On the eighth day of hospitalization, the patient develops fever and altered mental status.  After evaluation and laboratory testing, a urinary tract infection is diagnosed.  Which of the following is the most effective strategy for preventing this complication?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in hospitalized patients with indwelling urinary catheters.  The risk for UTI can be reduced by avoiding unnecessary catheterization, using sterile technique when inserting the catheter, and removing the catheter as soon as possible.

A 60-Year-Old Man Is Hospitalized for a Complicated Hip Fracture