genitourinary disorders
Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections
Key Points
Long-term use of indwelling bladder catheters increases risk of bacteriuria, although bacteriuria is usually asymptomatic. Symptomatic UTI may manifest with systemic symptoms (eg, fever, altered mental status, decreased blood pressure) and few or no symptoms typical of UTIs. Do urinalysis and urine culture if patients have symptoms or are at high risk of sepsis (eg, because of immunocompromise). Treat similarly to other complicated UTIs. Whenever possible, avoid use of catheters or remove them at the first opportunity. 