Final answer:
Intermittent urethral catheters are used as needed, reducing infection risk but causing occasional discomfort. Indwelling catheters provide continuous drainage but have higher UTI risks. Suprapubic catheters, inserted abdominally, offer lower UTI rates but carry surgical risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Intermittent urethral catheters are used as needed for urination. Their main indications include urinary retention problems or when it's necessary to obtain a sterile urine sample. The benefits of this type include a decreased risk of infection and greater patient mobility. However, they may cause discomfort during insertion and require aseptic techniques each time.
Indwelling urethral catheters, also known as Foley catheters, remain inside the bladder for a prolonged period. They are indicated for chronic urinary retention, urinary incontinence, and to measure urine output in critically ill patients. Their benefits include continuous urine drainage and the ability to measure output accurately, but they come with a higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and can cause bladder spasms or urethral injury.
Suprapubic catheters are inserted through the lower abdomen directly into the bladder. These are indicated for long-term bladder drainage when urethral catheters are not possible due to blockages or after certain surgeries. The benefits include a lower risk of UTIs compared to indwelling urethral catheters and the avoidance of urethral complications. The risks involve surgical complications, such as bleeding or infection at the insertion site.