Healthcare-Acquired Infections: Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CAUTI)

Definition/Etiology:

• CAUTI- infection in the bladder from a catheter

Pathophysiology:

• Urinary catheter = access

Noticing: Assessment & Recognizing Cues:

• Prevention
  • Avoid urinary catheters, and if needed d/c ASAP 
  • Use alternatives
  • Sterile insertion
  • Appropriate cleaning
• Assessment
  • Increased temperature
  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Dark urine
  • Frequency/burning

Interpreting: Analyzing & Planning:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
• Find/confirm the source of infection
  • Urinalysis/culture (UTI)
  • Blood cultures

Responding: Patient Interventions & Taking Action:

• Antibiotics
• IV fluids
• Prevent sepsis!

Reflecting: Evaluating Patient Outcomes:

• Patient improvement:
  • S/S decline
  • Decreased temp
• Continued treatment:
  • Abx

Linchpins (Key Points):

• An infection is an infection. How do we prevent it?
  • Infection: inflammatory response
  • CAUTI-specific: Bladder is affected (s/s)
  • Prevent: Prevent CAUTI
  • Treat: Treat with abx; prevent sepsis