In palliative care, indwelling catheters may be used to achieve which goal?

In palliative care, indwelling catheters may be used to achieve which goal?

• A. Improve end-of-life comfort
• B. Eliminate all risk of infection
• C. Restore full mobility
• D. Prevent disease transmission

Answer: (A)

In palliative care, the priority is comfort and quality of life. An indwelling urinary catheter may be used to manage troublesome urinary symptoms that cause distress, such as leakage and skin irritation, odor, and the constant need for changing soiled linens or clothing. By containing urine and reducing these discomforts, the patient’s comfort and dignity can be improved. It’s not about eliminating all infection risk—catheters can increase infection risk—nor about restoring mobility or preventing disease transmission. So the best use in this setting is to enhance end-of-life comfort.

In palliative care, the priority is comfort and quality of life. An indwelling urinary catheter may be used to manage troublesome urinary symptoms that cause distress, such as leakage and skin irritation, odor, and the constant need for changing soiled linens or clothing. By containing urine and reducing these discomforts, the patient’s comfort and dignity can be improved. It’s not about eliminating all infection risk—catheters can increase infection risk—nor about restoring mobility or preventing disease transmission. So the best use in this setting is to enhance end-of-life comfort.