PCT Urinary Catheterization 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of an indwelling (Foley) urinary catheter?
- To administer IV fluids directly into the bladder
- To provide continuous drainage of urine from the bladder (Correct answer)
- To collect a clean-catch midstream urine specimen
- To irrigate the bladder with antibiotics
Correct answer: To provide continuous drainage of urine from the bladder
An indwelling (Foley) catheter is designed to remain in the bladder and provide continuous urine drainage into a collection bag.
Question 2: Before performing urinary catheterization, which of the following is the most important initial action?
- Open all sterile supplies and set up the sterile field
- Perform hand hygiene and don gloves
- Position the patient in the dorsal recumbent position
- Explain the procedure to the patient and obtain consent (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Explain the procedure to the patient and obtain consent
Explaining the procedure and obtaining the patient's consent is always the first step before any invasive procedure to respect patient autonomy and rights.
Question 3: How should the urinary drainage bag be positioned relative to the patient's bladder?
- At the same level as the bladder to prevent backflow
- Above the level of the bladder to promote drainage
- Below the level of the bladder to allow gravity drainage (Correct answer)
- Clipped to the side rail at any convenient height
Correct answer: Below the level of the bladder to allow gravity drainage
The drainage bag must always be kept below the level of the bladder so gravity assists urine flow and prevents backflow, which could cause infection.
Question 4: Which catheter size (French) is most commonly used for an adult female patient?
- 8–10 Fr
- 14–16 Fr (Correct answer)
- 20–22 Fr
- 24–26 Fr
Correct answer: 14–16 Fr
A 14–16 French catheter is the standard size for most adult female patients, balancing adequate drainage with patient comfort.
Question 5: What technique is required when inserting an indwelling urinary catheter?
- Clean technique using non-sterile gloves
- Sterile technique to prevent urinary tract infection (Correct answer)
- Surgical aseptic technique requiring a scrub nurse
- Standard precautions with alcohol-based hand rub only
Correct answer: Sterile technique to prevent urinary tract infection
Indwelling catheter insertion requires sterile technique because introducing a foreign object directly into the bladder creates a serious infection risk.
Question 6: What solution is used to clean the urethral meatus before catheter insertion?
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Normal saline or antiseptic solution per facility protocol (Correct answer)
- Isopropyl alcohol 70%
- Sterile water only
Correct answer: Normal saline or antiseptic solution per facility protocol
Normal saline or an antiseptic solution (such as povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine) is used per facility protocol to reduce the microbial load at the insertion site.
Question 7: After the balloon of an indwelling catheter is inflated, what should the PCT do next?
- Immediately remove the catheter if the patient reports discomfort
- Gently pull back on the catheter until resistance is felt to seat the balloon against the bladder neck (Correct answer)
- Deflate the balloon and re-insert the catheter 2 cm deeper
- Document the procedure and leave the room
Correct answer: Gently pull back on the catheter until resistance is felt to seat the balloon against the bladder neck
After inflating the balloon, gently pulling back until resistance is felt confirms the balloon is properly seated at the bladder neck, securing the catheter in place.
PCT Urinary Catheterization 1
What is the primary purpose of an indwelling (Foley) urinary catheter?