When should an indwelling catheter be removed?

• A. After 48 hours
• B. On a fixed schedule
• C. As soon as it is no longer needed
• D. Only with patient request

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to remove an indwelling catheter as soon as it is no longer needed. Keeping the catheter in place longer than necessary increases the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, as well as discomfort, trauma, and restrictions on mobility. Therefore, the best practice is to remove it promptly when bladder drainage is no longer required—for example, once the patient can void normally or when urine output can be adequately monitored without a catheter. Daily assessments guide this decision, and alternatives like intermittent catheterization or other monitoring methods are used if ongoing drainage is still required. Fixed removal times or requiring patient request do not account for individual clinical needs and can either prolong unnecessary use or delay removal when it's safe to do so.