Figure 2. Infectious and Noninfectious Complications of an
Indwelling Urethral Catheter
Increased
Length of Stay
Urinary
Catheter
Harm
Catheter-
Associated
Bacteriuria
CAUTI
• Inappropriate
Antibiotic
Use
• Bacteremia
from Urinary
Source
• Upper
Urinary Tract
Involvement
• Increased Risk of
UTI
• Increased Need for
Urinary Procedures
(eg, prolonged
catheterization,
cystoscopy, surgery)
• Anxiety from
Catheter Placement
• Venous
Thromboembolism
• Skin Pressure
Injuries
• Increased Risk:
Delirium, Falls
Urethral Trauma/
Discomfort
Immobility/
Restraint
Antibiotic
Adverse Events
• Multidrug
Resistance
Colonization
• Antibiotic
Allergies
• C. Difficile
