Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

Which condition is a typical reason for a bladder scan prior to catheterization?

1. Urinary tract infection

2. Urinary retention

3. Incontinence

4. Kidney stones

The correct answer is: Urinary retention

A bladder scan prior to catheterization is typically performed to assess for urinary retention, which is the correct reason in this context. A bladder scan provides a non-invasive means of measuring the volume of urine in the bladder. This is crucial in cases of suspected urinary retention, as it helps determine whether catheterization is necessary and how urgently it should be done. In situations of urinary retention, patients often have difficulty emptying their bladder, leading to discomfort and potential complications such as bladder overdistension. The bladder scan helps in deciding whether the bladder is sufficiently full to warrant the insertion of a catheter, thus aiding in effective management. While a urinary tract infection may be a factor in why someone might need a catheter, it is not the typical reason for performing a bladder scan beforehand—more so, the focus would be on treating the infection itself. Incontinence does not usually necessitate a catheter unless there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, and kidney stones might lead to symptoms of acute pain or blockage but don't specifically require a bladder scan prior to catheterization for diagnosis or management.