What is the best practice to prevent CLABSI/CAUTI in hospitalized patients?

• A. Remove catheters as soon as possible
• B. Use shared catheters
• C. Follow sterile technique, maintain catheter care, and remove catheters as soon as medically possible
• D. Do nothing

Answer: (C)

Preventing CLABSI and CAUTI hinges on a prevention bundle: use sterile technique for insertion and ongoing maintenance, and remove catheters as soon as there is no medically valid need. Keeping a catheter in place longer increases the opportunity for bacteria to enter and form biofilms, which drives infection. Regular, proper catheter care—hand hygiene, clean around the insertion site, securement, closed drainage systems, and daily reassessment of need—further lowers risk. Using shared catheters raises cross-contamination and infection risk, so that practice is not acceptable. The most effective approach is combining aseptic technique, diligent maintenance, and minimizing device days.