Which of the following is the most common complication of urinary catheterization?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2019

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2019

Explanation

The most frequent complication of urinary catheterization is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), specifically a Catheter-Associated UTI (CAUTI).
An indwelling catheter bypasses the body's natural defenses, creating a direct portal for bacteria to enter the sterile urinary tract.
The risk of infection increases with the duration of catheterization, making timely removal a key prevention strategy.
CAUTIs are one of the most common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), highlighting the significance of this complication.

Option A: Urinary incontinence is not a direct complication of having a catheter in place; the catheter itself drains the bladder continuously. It can be a consequence after long-term catheter removal due to weakened sphincter muscles.
Option B: A hypoactive (or atonic) bladder, leading to urinary retention, is often a reason for catheterization, not a complication of it. It can also occur temporarily after the catheter is removed.
Option C: While the catheter can irritate the bladder lining and cause spasms (hyperactivity), this is less common and generally less serious than the risk of infection.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Complications of urinary catheterization as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are at the forefront of preventing CAUTIs through meticulous care, including assessing the ongoing need for the catheter, ensuring proper sterile technique, and maintaining the drainage system.
Preventing CAUTIs is a major patient safety goal and a quality indicator for hospitals. In many healthcare systems, including under CMS in the US, hospitals are not reimbursed for the costs of treating CAUTIs, making prevention economically crucial.
What if? A urine sample is needed from a patient with an indwelling catheter. The nurse must obtain it from the sterile sample port on the catheter tubing using aseptic technique, not from the drainage bag, as urine in the bag is not sterile and does not reflect the patient's current status.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'most common complication' and 'urinary catheterization'.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the risks associated with invasive procedures involving the urinary tract.
Consider the function of a catheter: it is a foreign object that provides a direct line from the outside environment into the sterile bladder.
Evaluate the options based on this understanding. An infection is a direct result of bacteria using the catheter as a pathway.
Compare the likelihood of infection to other potential issues like incontinence or bladder muscle problems. The risk of infection is immediate and increases daily, making it the most common complication.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 5 pp. 237-239, 235-237