Intermittent catheterization is chosen over indwelling catheter for which scenario?

• A. For acute urinary retention requiring continuous drainage.
• B. For chronic voiding dysfunction to minimize infection risk and preserve continence.
• C. In all postoperative patients.
• D. Only in pediatric patients.

Answer: (B)

Intermittent catheterization is chosen for chronic voiding dysfunction because it allows regular bladder emptying without leaving a catheter in place. This approach lowers the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections that come from long-term indwelling catheters and helps preserve normal continence mechanisms by avoiding continuous catheter presence. In contrast, an indwelling catheter stays in place for continuous drainage and carries a higher infection risk and other complications, especially with long-term use. It’s not used for every postoperative or acute retention situation, and it isn’t limited to pediatric patients, since adults also benefit from intermittent catheterization when appropriate.