Which feature of a urinary drainage system is most likely to decrease the risk of a urinary tract infection?

• A. Sampling port
• B. Anti-reflux valve
• C. Closed drainage tubing
• D. External collection bag

Answer: (A)

Preserving a sterile, closed pathway in the urinary drainage system is the key idea. A sampling port is built into the line to allow obtaining a urine specimen without disconnecting or breaching the system. When used with sterile technique, this keeps the drainage pathway closed and minimizes the chance that bacteria can enter during a routine sampling moment. That direct protection of the sterile barrier during a common care activity makes it the feature most likely to lower infection risk. The anti-reflux valve helps prevent backflow, which is helpful but more limited in scope. The closed drainage tubing maintains the overall closed system, which is essential, but the sampling port specifically reduces contamination during sampling. The external collection bag serves as the reservoir and does not by itself reduce infection risk.