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    Ati Rn Adult Medical Surgical 2023 Proctored Exam

    A nurse is caring for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when performing a closed intermittent irrigation?

    Explanation & Rationale

    Rationale: A. Clamp the catheter above the specimen port: Clamping the catheter above the specimen port is not necessary for closed intermittent irrigation and may increase the risk of bladder distention and trauma. Proper irrigation involves using the existing access port without interrupting the continuous drainage system, maintaining a closed system to reduce infection risk. B. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position: The Trendelenburg position, with the head lower than the feet, is not required for closed intermittent catheter irrigation. Standard supine positioning with the bladder accessible is sufficient and safer for preventing reflux or aspiration of irrigation fluid. C. Inject the irrigation solution slowly into the catheter: Slowly instilling the irrigation solution ensures that the bladder is not overdistended and minimizes trauma to the bladder mucosa. Gradual administration allows clots or debris to be gently flushed while maintaining sterile technique and preserving the integrity of the closed drainage system. D. Use a 3-mL syringe to perform the catheter irrigation: A 3-mL syringe is typically too small to efficiently flush the catheter for clot removal or debris clearance. Larger-volume syringes, such as 30–60 mL, are recommended to provide adequate irrigation force without repeated manipulations that could introduce infection.

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