urse Aide Practice Exam 2025 - Free Nurse Aide Practice Questions and Study Guide

Cleaning the catheter tubing by wiping away from the body is essential to prevent the introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract. This technique helps ensure that any contaminants or pathogens present on the skin are moved away from the urethral opening, reducing the risk of infection.

Proper catheter care focuses on maintaining hygiene and minimizing the chances of complications such as urinary tract infections. By wiping away from the body, the caregiver effectively reduces the likelihood that harmful microorganisms will be pushed toward the urinary opening.

Other methods, such as wiping towards the body or soaking the tubing in antiseptic, could potentially increase the risk of infection. Wiping toward the body might transfer bacteria from the anal area toward the urethra, which is undesirable. Soaking the tubing in antiseptic solution might not be practical or necessary for routine care and could lead to skin irritation or other unwanted reactions. Thus, wiping away from the body is the most effective and safe method for catheter tubing cleaning.