Nurse Aide Practice Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The presence of an indwelling urinary catheter increases the risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to the catheter's introduction of a foreign object into the urinary tract. This can provide a pathway for bacteria to enter the bladder and urinary system, where they can multiply and lead to infection. Understanding this complication is crucial for nurse aides, as they play a vital role in maintaining proper care of the catheter, including ensuring it remains clean and monitoring for any signs of infection such as fever, foul-smelling urine, or increased frequency of urination.

The other complications listed do not specifically relate to the use of indwelling urinary catheters. Excessive fluid retention can occur for various reasons but is not a direct complication of catheter use. Frequent headaches and rapid weight loss are also not associated with catheter placement, indicating that the awareness should primarily focus on infection risk and related preventive practices.