In monitoring urinary output, which of the following is a recommended consideration?

• A. Assess for contraindications for an indwelling urinary catheter
• B. External catheter is never an option
• C. Weighing diapers is not useful
• D. Use a catheter for all patients regardless of contraindications

Answer: (A)

Monitoring urinary output safely starts with evaluating whether an indwelling catheter is appropriate. The best step is to assess for contraindications to catheterization before placing a urinary device because trauma patients can have urethral or bladder injuries, pelvic fractures, or other injuries that make catheter insertion risky or harmful. If a contraindication or injury concern exists, inserting a catheter could worsen damage or increase infection risk, so you’d choose safer alternatives for monitoring output. When no contraindication is present, catheterization may provide accurate, continuous measurement; otherwise, use appropriate alternatives such as external collection methods or intermittent catheterization and estimate output by bladder scanning or diaper weighing as needed. Remember, using a catheter for all patients regardless of contraindications is not appropriate because it exposes patients to avoidable harm.