Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection as a Nursing Practice Problem

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Catheter associated urinary tract infection as a nursing practice problem
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INTRODUCTION
Catheter-associated urinary tract infection is regarded to be among the most common hospital-
acquired infection. This is a major problem since there was an increase from one infection last
year to five infections this year. It is a preventable problem since nurses can assess the need of
inserting an indwelling catheter, use of an aseptic technique and aftercare of an indwelling
catheter. According to (International Federation of Infection Control,2016) use of indwelling
catheters increases the risk of bacteriuria at a daily rate of 5% and by 100% by four weeks. In an
untreated infection progresses to septicemia, cystitis, and pyelonephritis. A patient who has an
indwelling catheter in place for an entire day on recognition of urinary tract infection and at least
fever, suprapubic pain, costovertebral pain, urgency, dysuria, and a positive urine culture
qualifies to be a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (Bucci,2016).
There is need to address rise in catheter-associated urinary tract infection. (Scott,2009) states
complications such as endocarditis and meningitis cause discomfort to the patient, prolonged
hospital stays and increased mortality. This superimposes more unnecessary conditions to the
patient and resistance to antibiotics if managed inappropriately. It is important to address the rise
of such infections to avoid unnecessary costs in treatment and to advocate for the patient against
unnecessary catheter insertion. The purpose of this paper is to address indication of indwelling
catheters and reduce the rate of infections from five to zero which occurred in the hospital by
proper nursing care and quality improvement process.

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LITERATURE REVIEW
(Dogra,2015) undertook a research to determine knowledge of doctors and nurses regarding
indication for catheterization and preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infection in a
hospital. The data was collected via questionnaires given to 54 doctors and 105 nurses. The
findings indicated that only 57% could identify steps to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract
infection. The doctors were had better knowledge on indication for inserting a catheter compared
to their counterparts in nursing. This indicates need for imparting knowledge on catheter use
among healthcare professionals.
(Drekonja,2014) engaged a research to ascertain nurses’ attitudes and knowledge regarding
indications for using a catheter and how to prevent associated infections in Minnesota. This was
done via an internet survey containing scale questions on the indications for catheter insertion
and measures to prevent catheter-associated infections. The results indicated high level of
knowledge on need to remove foley catheter to prevent infection. However, there was concern on
other aspect of catheter knowledge. This information if imparted would make a difference in
catheter care in hospitals
(Park,2018) conducted a study on factors associated with hospital-acquired catheter urinary tract
infections. The methods used in identification of such factors are decision trees. The results
identified were nurses with specialty certifications working under such clients reduced
occurrence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Also, if a catheter is left in situ for
more than 48 hours there are higher chances of infections. The findings also suggest more
nursing hours with patient results to positive outcomes.