Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What is a way to prevent infection in catheters?

1. Keep the catheter site dry

2. Wear a protective mask during insertion

3. Wash hands and change gloves prior to touching the catheter

4. Use antiseptic solution on hands

The correct answer is: Wash hands and change gloves prior to touching the catheter

Preventing infection in catheters is crucial for patient safety and effective treatment. The option highlighting the importance of washing hands and changing gloves before handling the catheter addresses one of the most critical aspects of infection control in any healthcare setting. Proper hand hygiene significantly reduces the number of pathogens present on the skin, which, when combined with the use of clean gloves, protects the patient from the transmission of infectious agents during catheter care. Using gloves is essential to create a barrier between the healthcare provider and the catheter, minimizing the risk of introducing bacteria. When gloves are changed prior to touching the catheter, it further ensures that any contaminants from previous tasks do not come into contact with the catheter insertion site. This practice is a fundamental component of Standard Precautions, which emphasize the importance of hand hygiene and the use of protective equipment to prevent healthcare-associated infections. The other methods, while beneficial, do not address the primary route of infection prevention as effectively. Keeping the catheter site dry is important, but it does not directly reduce the risk of pathogens being introduced during handling. Wearing a protective mask during insertion can prevent respiratory droplet transmission but does not eliminate the risk posed by contaminated hands or gloves. Lastly, using antiseptic solution on hands is advantageous but is typically part of a