Which term describes the procedure to insert a sterile tube into the bladder for drainage?

• A. Nocturia
• B. Polyuria
• C. Urinary Catheterization
• D. Pyuria

Answer: (C)

Inserting a sterile tube into the bladder for drainage is urinary catheterization. This procedure uses a catheter passed through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine, often to relieve urinary retention, empty the bladder for surgery, obtain a sterile urine sample, or monitor urine output. The catheter is typically a Foley with a retention balloon for long-term use or an intermittent catheter for short-term drainage, and sterile technique is essential to prevent infection. The collection bag should stay below bladder level and the catheter kept secure to avoid traction. Complications can include infection, urethral trauma, or blockage, so monitoring is important. The other terms describe different urinary issues: nocturia is waking at night to urinate, polyuria is producing unusually large amounts of urine, and pyuria is pus in the urine indicating infection.