Postoperatively, urinary catheters should be removed when?

• A. Within 24 hours, typically
• B. Within 72 hours
• C. Only if urinary output decreases
• D. After patient requests

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to remove urinary catheters as soon as it is safe and feasible for the patient to void on their own, not based on changes in urinary output. In many postoperative cases, the catheter is removed within 24 hours once the patient is stable and able to urinate with minimal assistance. Urinary output alone isn’t a trigger for removal; a decreasing output could indicate dehydration, hypoperfusion, or other issues, and would prompt assessment and management rather than removal. If the patient cannot void after catheter removal, you would assess with a bladder scan and, if needed, re-catheterize or use intermittent catheterization. There are exceptions for certain surgeries or high retention risk, but the general goal is early removal to reduce infection risk and improve comfort.