Catheterization is used for which of the following purposes?

Catheterization is used for which of the following purposes?

• A. Remove urine from an individual unable to micturate
• B. Irrigate the bladder
• C. Obtain uncontaminated urine samples
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Catheterization creates a direct, sterile conduit to the bladder, allowing urine to be drained when a person cannot void naturally, which happens in retention or after surgery. It also enables bladder irrigation to flush out debris, clots, or infected material when needed. Additionally, it provides a route to obtain uncontaminated urine samples, since urine can be collected directly from the bladder rather than from the distal urethra or surrounding genital flora. Because catheterization can accomplish all three goals, “All of the above” is the best answer. As a practice note, sterile technique and limiting catheter duration are important to minimize infection risk.

Catheterization creates a direct, sterile conduit to the bladder, allowing urine to be drained when a person cannot void naturally, which happens in retention or after surgery. It also enables bladder irrigation to flush out debris, clots, or infected material when needed. Additionally, it provides a route to obtain uncontaminated urine samples, since urine can be collected directly from the bladder rather than from the distal urethra or surrounding genital flora. Because catheterization can accomplish all three goals, “All of the above” is the best answer. As a practice note, sterile technique and limiting catheter duration are important to minimize infection risk.