Indwelling catheter is for?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2021

Explanation

Indwelling catheters are indicated for critically ill patients who require precise and continuous monitoring of their urine output to assess renal function and fluid status.
They are also used perioperatively for certain surgical procedures (like urologic or gynecological surgery) to keep the bladder decompressed and prevent injury.
Since both critical illness and surgical procedures are major, distinct indications, the option that includes both is the most complete and correct answer.
The primary goal is to use catheters only when medically necessary due to the significant risk of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI).

Option A: This is a correct indication, but it is not the only one. It represents an incomplete answer.
Option B: This is also a correct indication, but it is incomplete. Catheters are used for other reasons besides surgery.
Option D: Using an indwelling catheter solely for the management of incontinence is generally inappropriate and contraindicated due to the high risk of infection (CAUTI).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Appropriate indications for indwelling urinary catheterization as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary responsibility regarding catheters is the prevention of CAUTI, a common and preventable healthcare-associated infection (HAI).
Nurses must perform daily assessments to justify the continued need for a catheter and advocate for its prompt removal to minimize infection risk.
Always consider less invasive alternatives first, such as external condom catheters for men, absorbent products, or a timed voiding schedule.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question stem, which asks for the purpose of an indwelling catheter.
Evaluate each option individually. Recognize that 'Critically ill clients' (Option A) and 'Undergone surgical procedure' (Option B) are both valid indications.
When two or more options are correct but partial, look for a more comprehensive option that combines them. Option C includes both A and B.
Assess Option D, 'Manage incontinence'. Recall that this is a common but generally inappropriate use for indwelling catheters due to high infection risk.
Conclude that Option C is the best and most complete answer because it encompasses two major, appropriate indications for catheterization.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QhD0DJTBxO1tVSUL6p-55F

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 598-600

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 5 p. 252-254

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.