Intermittent catheterization is chosen over indwelling catheter for which scenario?

Intermittent catheterization is chosen over indwelling catheter for which scenario?

• A. For acute urinary retention requiring continuous drainage.
• B. For chronic voiding dysfunction to minimize infection risk and preserve continence.
• C. In all postoperative patients.
• D. Only in pediatric patients.

Answer: (B)

Intermittent catheterization is chosen for chronic voiding dysfunction because it allows regular bladder emptying without leaving a catheter in place. This approach lowers the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections that come from long-term indwelling catheters and helps preserve normal continence mechanisms by avoiding continuous catheter presence. In contrast, an indwelling catheter stays in place for continuous drainage and carries a higher infection risk and other complications, especially with long-term use. It’s not used for every postoperative or acute retention situation, and it isn’t limited to pediatric patients, since adults also benefit from intermittent catheterization when appropriate.

Intermittent catheterization is chosen for chronic voiding dysfunction because it allows regular bladder emptying without leaving a catheter in place. This approach lowers the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections that come from long-term indwelling catheters and helps preserve normal continence mechanisms by avoiding continuous catheter presence. In contrast, an indwelling catheter stays in place for continuous drainage and carries a higher infection risk and other complications, especially with long-term use. It’s not used for every postoperative or acute retention situation, and it isn’t limited to pediatric patients, since adults also benefit from intermittent catheterization when appropriate.