What does an indwelling urinary catheter do?

An indwelling urinary catheter is specifically designed to drain urine from the bladder into a collection bag. This is particularly useful for patients who are unable to urinate naturally due to various medical conditions or surgical interventions. The catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra and remains in place for a set duration, ensuring that urine can be continuously drained, monitored, and collected without requiring the patient to perform the action of urination. This can help prevent bladder distension, reduce the risk of urinary retention or obstruction, and allow for accurate assessment of urine output, which is vital for patient care and management.

While hydration, medication delivery, and urinary retention are important aspects of urinary health, they do not describe the primary function of an indwelling urinary catheter.