UTI post cath. need opinions

[bisson]

i would liketo ask this question of any experienced practicing nurse:

does a pt have a risk for infection ( UTI ) AFTER removal of indwelling catheter. this is killing me, as this was a test question, and i cannot find any text to support risk for-UTI POST catheter.

:trout:

[Murse901, MSN, RN]

Depends on the circumstances, but in general terms I would say yes. The actual d/c procedure itself has basically no risk, which is why it is not a sterile procedure in the majority of facilities. However, the pt can still develop an infection at any time post-d/c if micro-organisms have been introduced into the urinary system.

I would have to have more detail for that question.

[kukukajoo, LPN]

The article below states there is in increased risk for up to 30 days after removal:

http://www.bsac.org.uk/pyxis/UTI/Nosocomial%20UTI/nosocomial%20UTI.htm

[floatRN]

I can't find any published info. on the reason for this. Just a thought, though perhaps the urethra opening is stretched from the catheter and bacterie could get into the urethra easier?

[R0xyg4l]

Some how maybe it would interfere with the immune system to allow bacteria to enter in or also possibly the bacteria is present but not yet there to a detectable symptomatic level. My two cents. :)

[kukukajoo, LPN]

catheters become colonized very easily

[bisson]

well, i got the explanation from my professor/ instructor, although the question will probably get thrown out because it was not said in class and is not in the book , it's because the bacteria started to colonize while the catheter was in, after removal, the bacteria was still in the bladder, the risk for UTI is there. who knew ? not me, because it was not stated in class or in text. oh the joy of nursing school tests