What is the key purpose of sterile gloves during a urinary catheter insertion?

The key purpose of sterile gloves during a urinary catheter insertion is to prevent contamination of the catheter. During this procedure, maintaining a sterile field is crucial to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into the urinary tract, which can lead to infections. Sterile gloves provide a barrier that reduces the likelihood of bacteria from the caregiver’s hands contaminating the catheter or the insertion site. This is especially important in preventing hospital-acquired urinary tract infections, which are a significant concern in clinical settings.

While providing warmth, comfort, and minimizing discomfort for the patient are important aspects of patient care, they are not the primary reason for using sterile gloves during this particular procedure. The use of sterile gloves focuses on infection control and patient safety, ensuring that the insertion is performed with the highest standards of aseptic technique.