Which of the following factors is a risk factor for urinary tract infections?

• A. Indwelling catheter
• B. Regular exercise
• C. Hydration
• D. Urine color testing

Answer: (A)

The factor that increases the risk of a urinary tract infection is having an indwelling urinary catheter. A catheter provides a direct path for bacteria to enter the bladder and can harbor biofilms—bacterial communities that protect organisms from the immune system and antibiotics. This setup can also cause urinary stasis and irritation of the urinary tract lining, weakening the body’s natural defenses against infection.

Regular exercise generally supports health and does not inherently raise UTI risk. Adequate hydration helps dilute urine and promotes flushing of bacteria from the urinary tract, which lowers risk. Urine color testing is a monitoring activity and does not increase infection risk.