How to prevent catheter-related urinary infections
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In Making Synapses you practice it on the patient.
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are common hospital infections. The best prevention is to avoid or remove the catheter.
Step by step
Insert only when needed
Use a catheter only for clear reasons such as urinary retention or close output monitoring. [1]
Use sterile technique
Insert with sterile gloves and equipment after cleaning the area. [2]
Keep the system closed
Do not disconnect the catheter from the tubing. [2]
Keep the bag low
Keep the bag below the bladder and off the floor, with no kinks in the tubing. [2]
Secure the catheter
Fasten the tubing to the thigh to prevent pulling. [2]
Give daily care
Clean the area with soap and water during routine hygiene. [2]
Remove early
Review the need every day and remove as soon as possible. [1]
Common errors
- Placing the bag on the bed.
- Opening the closed system.
- Forgetting to review if the catheter is still needed.
Practice it in Making Synapses
In Making Synapses you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
Making Synapses cases that train this skill
- Catheter-associated urinary tract infection
- Pressure injury in a wheelchair user
- Urinary tract infection with delirium
- Heart failure, worsening
- Bleeding after prostatectomy
- Septic shock
21 Making Synapses cases train this skill: open the case library
Sources
- CDC, Guideline for Isolation Precautions (2007) and PPE sequence
- Open RN, Nursing Skills 2e (Chippewa Valley Technical College) (CC BY 4.0)
Facts and steps follow CDC, Guideline for Isolation Precautions (2007) and PPE sequence. Making Synapses is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.