National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

When performing gait training with a patient who has an indwelling catheter, how should the catheter be managed?

1. Call nursing to remove the catheter during treatment.

2. You should not perform gait training with this patient.

3. Secure the catheter to the bed and only ambulate the distance allowed by the tubing.

4. Attach or carry the catheter below the bladder level and safely secure the tubing.

The correct answer is: Attach or carry the catheter below the bladder level and safely secure the tubing.

To properly manage an indwelling catheter during gait training, it is essential to ensure that the catheter is positioned and secured appropriately to prevent any complications or discomfort for the patient. The correct approach involves attaching or carrying the catheter below the bladder level and safely securing the tubing. This management technique is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, maintaining the catheter below the bladder helps prevent backflow of urine, which can lead to urinary tract infections or other complications. Additionally, securing the tubing reduces the risk of tension or pulling on the catheter, which might cause urethral injury or accidental dislodgement. Proper management also promotes the patient's comfort and dignity during mobility activities, as it allows them to ambulate without fear of disconnecting or damaging the catheter. While the other options present variations of catheter management, they do not address the fundamental needs for safe and effective gait training. For instance, removing the catheter during treatment may not be practical or appropriate for the patient, and suggesting that gait training should not be performed overlooks the importance of mobility in the rehabilitation process. Furthermore, simply securing the catheter to the bed may still result in issues if the patient attempts to move beyond the allowed distance by the tubing. Overall, option D embodies a comprehensive and safe approach to catheter