Which nursing action will most likely increase a patient's risk for developing a health care–associated infection?

Question

a. Uses surgical aseptic technique to suction an airway
b. Uses a clean technique for inserting a urinary catheter
c. Uses a cleaning stroke from the urinary meatus toward the rectum
d. Uses a sterile bottled solution more than once within a 24-hour period

Answer 1

ANS: B
Using clean technique (medical asepsis) to insert a urinary catheter would place the patient at risk for a health care–associated infection. Urinary catheters need to be inserted using sterile technique, which is also referred to as surgical asepsis. Surgical aseptic technique (also called sterile technique) should be used when suctioning an airway because it is considered a sterile body cavity. Washing from clean to dirty (urinary meatus toward rectum) is correct for decreasing infection risk. Bottled solutions may be used repeatedly during a 24-hour period; however, special care is needed to ensure that the solution in the bottle remains sterile. After 24 hours, the solution should be discarded.