CNA Comprehensive Core Competency Practice Test 2025 - Free CNA Core Competency Practice Questions and Study Guide

When handling a patient with a catheter, preventing infection and ensuring proper catheter patency are crucial considerations. Catheters can be a pathway for bacteria to enter the urinary tract, leading to infections, which are among the most common complications associated with catheter use. Healthcare providers are trained to follow strict aseptic techniques during insertion and care to minimize this risk. Regular assessments for patency are also essential, as blockages can lead to discomfort and further complications for the patient.

Ensuring the patient's comfort is important but is secondary to infection control measures and catheter functionality. Relying only on visual soiling to determine when to change a catheter ignores the need for maintaining a sterile and functional urinary system. Allowing patients to remove their own catheters can pose serious risks and is typically only done under professional supervision when deemed safe and appropriate.