HESI Introduction to Allied Health (AH) Practice Test 2026 - Free Allied Health Practice Questions and Study Guide

Infection prevention and control is what this item emphasizes when caring for a catheter at home. Urine can harbor bacteria, and the drainage bag and connectors can contaminate your hands and surfaces. Wearing barrier gloves during handling creates a protective barrier between you and potential contaminants, greatly reducing the risk of transferring infection to yourself or the patient. This protection works best when combined with proper hand hygiene before putting gloves on and after removing them. Bare-handed contact—even after brief hand washing—does not eliminate such risks, and boiling or attempting to disinfect the bag is unsafe and inappropriate for home use. So, wearing barrier gloves during handling is the essential precaution.