Florida Nursing Assistant Competency Pracrice Exam

What is required for a urinal catheter to ensure it stays in place?

1. It must be loose

2. It must be fastened to the client's leg or abdomen

3. It can be left untethered

4. It should only be attached during meals

The correct answer is: It must be fastened to the client's leg or abdomen

To ensure that a urinary catheter remains securely in place, it must be fastened to the client's leg or abdomen. This practice is crucial for several reasons. First, proper anchoring helps prevent the catheter from pulling on the urethra, which could cause discomfort or injury. Second, securing the catheter minimizes the risk of dislodgement, ensuring continuous and effective drainage of urine. Fastening the catheter also helps maintain hygiene by preventing kinks or blockages in the tubing. Option indicating that it must be loose would lead to complications, as it could easily dislodge or create tension at the insertion site. Leaving the catheter untethered increases the risk of movement and potential injury. The notion that attachment should only be during meals is impractical and could prevent appropriate drainage at all times, which is essential for the patient's comfort and health.