Which of the following interventions directly related to patient safety must the nurse consider when providing perineal care to an elderly male patient with a catheter?

Wearing clean gloves during perineal care is a crucial intervention related to patient safety, particularly for a patient with a catheter. This practice helps to prevent the introduction of pathogens into the urinary tract, reducing the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which are common complications in patients with catheters. Clean gloves create a barrier between the nurse's hands and the patient's mucous membranes, maintaining proper hygiene and safeguarding both the patient’s health and the integrity of the catheter.

While the other options may also contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the patient, they are not as directly linked to the immediate act of performing perineal care. For instance, assessing the patient's ability to provide self-care is important for overall care planning but does not directly impact the prevention of infections at the moment of care. Encouraging the patient to report pain is essential, as it helps to address discomfort and potential complications. Monitoring the drainage bag's urine level is critical for managing bladder health, but it pertains more to ongoing patient care than to the immediate safety measures taken during perineal hygiene.