American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

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Enhance your AACN exam preparation with our simulation test. Includes flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with insights and detailed explanations. Ace your critical-care nurse certification exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the first step in the management of a catheter-associated UTI?

Start IV antibiotics
Remove the catheter
Obtain a urine sample
Schedule a follow-up appointment

The correct answer is: Remove the catheter

Removing the catheter is the first step in the management of a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) because the presence of the catheter is a key contributor to the infection. By removing the catheter, you not only eliminate the source of the infection but also allow the urinary tract to begin healing. The removal process should ideally occur as soon as possible after the diagnosis of a CAUTI is made, as this can significantly reduce the risk of further complications and infections. While starting IV antibiotics, obtaining a urine sample, and scheduling a follow-up appointment are important in managing the patient’s overall health and treatment plan, they are secondary steps that can occur after the catheter is removed. Removing the catheter directly addresses the issue at hand and is crucial in effectively managing a CAUTI.