What is the best practice for providing care to a client with an indwelling urinary catheter?

Providing perineal hygiene after defecation is a best practice for clients with an indwelling urinary catheter as it helps maintain skin integrity and reduces the risk of infection. Proper hygiene practices are crucial because the presence of a catheter increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). After defecation, it's essential to clean the perineal area to prevent fecal matter from entering the urinary tract, which can lead to contamination and subsequent infections.

This practice emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean environment around the catheter entry site, which is vital for preventing complications associated with indwelling catheters. Regular hygiene helps ensure comfort for the patient and promotes overall health.

Other practices, such as changing the catheter every day, are not standard procedure as catheters are usually changed based on facility protocols and the patient's specific needs, and frequent changes can cause trauma to the urethra. Attaching a leg bag at all times isn't advisable as there are instances where a larger drainage bag may be needed to accommodate fluid output, especially when the patient is immobile or has increased urine output. Limiting fluid intake is not recommended as it can lead to dehydration and concentrated urine, increasing the risk of bladder irritation and infection.