Phi 208 Week 2 Clinical Research

Week 2 Discussion 2 - Clinical Research Project, Research Question, and Hypothesis
Please respond to the following:
1. What is the problem and why is this an issue?
The research problem that is being explored is how to prevent infections in people who use long term indwelling urinary catheters. As patients get injured or as they age; there is a growing need to have assistance with releasing urine from the bladder. A major problem with urinary catheters is that whilst they drain the bladder, they often block the urethra and the urinary mucosa becomes inflamed, and may become damaged because of the catheter (Traunter & Darouiche, 2004). Catheter associated infections are a prevailing issue because it is best practice to reduce the costs of infections, while implementing quality and safe practices.
2. Why is it so important to find a solution to this problem?
It is important to find a solution to this problem because the number of catheter associated urinary tract infections are preventable; when best practices are implemented. The indications for long term indwelling Foley catheters in patients can be for multiple reasons; such as: spinal injuries, urinary incontinence, bladder retention, complicated wound healing, or patients on special cardiac drips or diuretics;
Ways to prevent catheter infections include: choosing the right size catheter and utilizing correct placement, implementing closed drainage systems, keeping a Foley stat lock in place, maintain the Foley free of kinks and below the level of the bladder. Another way to prevent infections is to avoid encrustation and the blockage of the catheters. This can be done by measuring the pH of urine to make sure it is maintained between 5-6 because as urine becomes alkaline, it will cause crystals to form casing blockages and lead to