Which device is used if urinary retention persists in overflow incontinence?

• A. Foley catheter
• B. Ureteral stent
• C. Nephrostomy tube
• D. External catheters

Answer: (A)

Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder can’t empty, so urine builds up and can spill over. The first and most direct way to manage this persistent retention is to drain the bladder. A Foley catheter is an indwelling urinary catheter inserted through the urethra into the bladder and kept in place with a balloon, allowing continuous drainage and relief of overdistension. Ureteral stents and nephrostomy tubes target the urinary tract at the level of the ureter or kidney, not for draining a full bladder. External, or condom, catheters collect urine after the bladder has emptied and don’t address ongoing retention. So, for persistent retention in overflow incontinence, the Foley catheter is the appropriate device.