Which option is NOT a nursing care goal for patients with urinary catheters?

• A. Promote normal urine production
• B. Prevent transmission of infection
• C. Maintain skin and mucosal integrity
• D. Increase risk of infection

Answer: (D)

The main concept is preventing complications and protecting the patient while a urinary catheter is in place. Nursing care aims to promote proper urine drainage, monitor output, prevent infection, and preserve the skin and mucosal integrity around the catheter site. Increasing the risk of infection runs counter to these goals; infection prevention is a central focus of catheter care. In practice, this means maintaining a closed drainage system, using aseptic technique for insertion and care, securing the catheter to prevent trauma, keeping the collection bag below the bladder, regularly cleaning the perineal area, and removing the catheter as soon as it’s no longer needed. Promoting normal urine production and maintaining skin integrity are consistent with good catheter care, whereas increasing infection risk is something nurses actively work to prevent.