What are the risks described for urinary catheterization?

• A. Infection and trauma to the genitourinary tract
• B. Hemorrhage from abdominal incision
• C. Cardiac arrhythmia
• D. Hearing loss

Answer: (A)

Urinary catheterization involves placing a tube into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine, so the main risks are infection of the genitourinary tract and trauma to the urinary tract from insertion or catheter movement. Bacteria can be introduced during insertion or migrate along the catheter, leading to catheter-associated urinary tract infection, especially if the catheter stays in place for an extended period. Trauma can occur to the urethral lining, cause pain or bleeding, and in some cases contribute to stricter injuries or bladder injury. The other options—bleeding from an abdominal incision, heart rhythm problems, or hearing loss—are not direct risks of catheterization; they are complications more relevant to other procedures or systems. Understanding these risks highlights why sterile technique, maintaining a closed drainage system, and removing the catheter as soon as it’s no longer needed are important preventive steps.