Catheter

A catheter is a tube inserted into the body to drain fluid, monitor pressures, or deliver fluids and medications. For urinary catheters, maintain a closed sterile system and keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder so urine flows down and does not reflux, which prevents catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). Remove indwelling catheters as early as clinically possible, since each additional day in place raises the infection risk.