What type of catheter is used for short term urinary drainage?

The correct choice for short-term urinary drainage is a straight catheter. This type of catheter is designed for intermittent use, allowing for the efficient draining of urine from the bladder without remaining in place for an extended period. It is commonly used when a patient requires temporary drainage, such as during a surgical procedure, or for patients who may need to void at intervals but do not require continuous drainage.

In comparison, the indwelling catheter, such as a Foley catheter, is intended for longer-term use as it remains in the bladder to provide a continuous flow of urine. This is ideal for patients who are unable to urinate on their own for extended durations.

Double-lumen catheters are also not appropriate for short-term urinary drainage in a general setting, as they are typically used for specific medical situations, including bladder pressure monitoring or certain therapeutic procedures.

Thus, when considering the need for temporary or short-term urinary drainage, the straight catheter is the most suitable option, as it caters to the need for periodic drainage while minimizing the risk of infection associated with longer-term catheterization.