Criteria for Discontinuing Urinary Catheter

A urinary catheter is a flexible tube that's inserted into the urethra and guided up into the bladder to drain urine. If it introduces bacteria into the bladder, the person may develop a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI).

History

• According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), about 80 percent of hospital-acquired UTIs are related to urinary catheters, and about half of the hospitalized patients with catheters don't need them in the first place.

Indications

• APIC lists some conditions that warrant a urinary catheter: an obstruction in the urinary tract, very bloody urine, and a neurogenic bladder that can't empty on its own. Catheters are appropriate if the individual has an advanced pressure sore at the base of his tailbone or is receiving palliative or hospice care.

Expert Insight

• APIC says catheters are not appropriate for incontinence (lack of bladder control), immobility, obtaining urine specimens, or close monitoring of intake and output except in ICU patients.

Tip

• The Patient Safety Authority has published an evidence-based flowchart to guide health-care professionals when they are reviewing the need for a urinary catheter.

Warning

• According to APIC, the risk of developing a CAUTI goes up by five percent for every day the catheter stays in the bladder.