What should be ensured during proper catheter insertion technique?

During proper catheter insertion technique, ensuring both hand hygiene and the maintenance of sterile conditions is crucial for preventing healthcare-associated infections.

Hand hygiene is essential because it significantly reduces the presence of pathogens that can be transferred to both the patient and the equipment during the insertion process. Effective hand hygiene practices, such as performing hand washing or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, minimize the risk of contamination.

Additionally, placing the catheter under sterile conditions is vital to prevent the introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract or other systems. This requires the use of sterile gloves, drapes, and instruments to create a sterile field. The combination of these two practices—hand hygiene and sterile technique—provides a comprehensive approach to reducing infection risk when performing catheterizations.

Both of these practices are pivotal in maintaining patient safety, which is why the correct answer encompasses both elements rather than focusing on one alone.