What is a key consideration for a nurse when assisting a patient with a urinary catheter before emptying it?

Wearing gloves when assisting a patient with a urinary catheter is crucial to maintaining a sterile technique and preventing infections. The urinary tract is a sterile environment, and introducing bacteria during catheter care can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are a common complication in patients with catheters. By using gloves, the nurse minimizes the risk of contaminating the catheter or the urinary meatus, thus promoting patient safety and hygiene.

In this scenario, while informing the patient about the procedure, checking for leakage, and ensuring understanding of the necessity of the procedure are important parts of patient care, they do not directly address the infection control aspect that wearing gloves provides. The priority in this situation is to maintain a sterile field, thereby prioritizing the patient's health and well-being.