Which catheter is inserted through an incision above the pubic symphysis?

Which catheter is inserted through an incision above the pubic symphysis?

• A. Indwelling catheter
• B. Straight catheter
• C. Nephrostomy tube
• D. Suprapubic catheter

Answer: (D)

A suprapubic catheter is inserted through a small incision in the lower abdomen just above the pubic symphysis into the bladder, bypassing the urethra. This route is chosen when urethral catheterization isn’t feasible or for long-term urinary drainage, providing a direct bladder outlet without entering the urethra. The other options involve different entry points: an indwelling Foley or a straight catheter enters through the urethra into the bladder, while a nephrostomy tube goes from the skin into the kidney, not into the bladder via the suprapubic space.

A suprapubic catheter is inserted through a small incision in the lower abdomen just above the pubic symphysis into the bladder, bypassing the urethra. This route is chosen when urethral catheterization isn’t feasible or for long-term urinary drainage, providing a direct bladder outlet without entering the urethra. The other options involve different entry points: an indwelling Foley or a straight catheter enters through the urethra into the bladder, while a nephrostomy tube goes from the skin into the kidney, not into the bladder via the suprapubic space.