A. Examples of appropriate indications for indwelling urethral
catheter use
Patient has acute urinary retention or bladder outlet
obstruction
Need for accurate measurements of urinary output in critically
ill patients
Perioperative use for selected surgical procedures:
Patients undergoing urologic surgery or other surgery on
contiguous structures of the genitourinary tract
Anticipated prolonged duration of surgery (catheters inserted
for this reason should be removed in post-anesthesia
care unit)
Patients anticipated to receive large-volume infusions or diuretics
during surgery
Need for intraoperative monitoring of urinary output
To assist in healing of open sacral or perineal wounds in incontinent
patients
Patient requires prolonged immobilization (eg, potentially unstable
thoracic or lumbar spine, multiple traumatic injuries
such as pelvic fractures)
To improve comfort for end-of-life care if needed
B. Examples of inappropriate uses of indwelling catheters
As a substitute for nursing care of the patient or resident
with incontinence
As a means of obtaining urine for culture or other diagnostic
tests when the patient can voluntarily void
For prolonged postoperative duration without appropriate indications