What is the primary purpose of a Foley catheter and what common complication do nurses try to prevent?

• A. It monitors heart rhythm during anesthesia.
• B. It measures bowel motility.
• C. It measures blood glucose via urine.
• D. It provides urinary drainage and accurate output measurement; prevent CAUTI and urethral trauma.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that a Foley catheter is used to drain urine from the bladder and to provide an accurate measure of urine output, which helps monitor fluid balance and kidney function, especially after surgery or when a patient cannot void normally. Nurses focus on preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections and urethral trauma, the common complications linked to catheter use. CAUTI occurs when bacteria ascend the catheter into the bladder, and trauma can result from insertion or movement of the tube. To prevent these issues, maintain a closed drainage system, use sterile technique for insertion, secure the catheter to avoid tugging, keep the drainage bag below bladder level, perform regular perineal hygiene, and remove the catheter as soon as it’s no longer medically needed. Choices describing heart rhythm monitoring, bowel motility, or urine glucose measurement don’t reflect the catheter’s purpose.