Basic Care and ComfortQuestion 408 of 2368
The nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling catheter in an adult who has no unusual anatomy. Which catheter size should the nurse select?
- A 20 French catheter to allow faster drainage
- An 18 French catheter to reduce leaking
- A 22 French catheter so it stays in place better
- A 14 French catheter, the smallest appropriate size
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Correct answer: A 14 French catheter, the smallest appropriate size
The smallest appropriate catheter is used, typically 14 French. Larger sizes such as 20 French are for irrigation.
Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Facilitation of Elimination: INSERTING AND MANAGING INDWELLING URINARY CATHETERS. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Basic Care and Comfort"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026