Which one is a self retaining catheter?

NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

A Foley catheter is classified as a self-retaining or indwelling catheter.
As shown in the image, it features an inflatable balloon at its distal tip, which, when filled with sterile water, anchors the catheter inside the bladder neck.
This mechanism allows for continuous, long-term urinary drainage without the need for external fixation to hold it in place.

Option A: This is a gastrointestinal tube, not a urinary catheter, used for feeding or gastric decompression. It is secured externally with tape.
Option B: This is a straight, non-retaining catheter used for intermittent bladder drainage; it lacks an anchoring balloon and is removed after use.
Option C: Similar to an NG tube, this is a gastrointestinal tube inserted through the mouth. It is not a urinary catheter and is not self-retaining.

Visual 1: Diagram - A comparison of a Foley catheter (with balloon) and a straight/Robinson catheter (without balloon) to highlight the key structural difference.
Visual 2: Illustration - Correct placement of an inflated Foley catheter balloon at the base of the bladder, demonstrating the anchoring mechanism.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types and characteristics of medical catheters, specifically self-retaining urinary catheters as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must use sterile water to inflate the Foley balloon, as saline can crystallize over time, damaging the inflation port and preventing deflation when the catheter needs to be removed.
Accurate monitoring of urine output from an indwelling catheter is a critical nursing responsibility for assessing a patient's fluid balance and kidney function.
What if? If a patient requires bladder drainage for only a short period (e.g., to relieve post-operative retention for a few hours), an intermittent catheterization with a Red rubber catheter might be preferred over an indwelling Foley to reduce the risk of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question: 'self-retaining catheter'.
Break down the term: 'Self-retaining' means the device stays in place on its own, without being held or taped externally.
Evaluate each option based on this definition. Think about the structure and function of each tube/catheter.
Recall or deduce from the image that a Foley catheter has a unique feature—an inflatable balloon—designed specifically for this purpose.
Eliminate the other options by identifying their primary use and method of securement (e.g., NG/OG tubes are taped to the face; Red rubber catheters are for temporary 'in-and-out' use).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Types and characteristics of medical catheters, specifically self-retaining urinary catheters.
Stem keywords: self retaining catheter
Lead-in keywords: Which one
Negative lead-in flag: false

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