Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

What is true regarding catheterization of the urinary bladder?

1. Is done under sterile conditions

2. Increases the risk of infection

3. Can be used to determine fluid content

4. In men, it must be performed by a doctor

The correct answer is: Is done under sterile conditions

Catheterization of the urinary bladder is indeed performed under sterile conditions to minimize the risk of introducing infections into the urinary tract. Maintaining a sterile technique throughout the procedure is critical, as the urinary tract can become contaminated with bacteria during catheter insertion. This sterile approach helps to safeguard patient health, especially in critical care settings where patients may have a higher susceptibility to infections. While it is true that catheterization increases the risk of infection, this statement is more about the consequence of the procedure rather than a characteristic of the procedure itself. The sterile technique aims to reduce this risk as much as possible. The statement regarding determining fluid content is not accurate in the context of routine urinary bladder catheterization, as while catheterization can provide information about urine production and fluid management, it is not typically used specifically to measure fluid content directly. Although many healthcare professionals, including nurses and advanced practice providers, are trained to perform catheterizations, there is no requirement that a doctor must be the only one to carry out the procedure in men. Thus, while specific clinical settings or protocols may vary, the overall practice of catheterization can be performed by qualified personnel. In summary, the emphasis on sterile conditions is a key aspect of catheterization as it directly relates to patient safety and infection control