Which signs should patients recognize as possible infection signs during intermittent catheterization?

• A. Fever alone.
• B. Fever, burning on urination, or cloudy urine.
• C. No symptoms.
• D. Fever, dysuria, and cloudy urine.

Answer: (D)

When monitoring for infection during intermittent catheterization, you look for a combination of systemic and urinary signs rather than a single symptom. Fever signals the body’s response to infection, but on its own it isn’t specific to a urinary issue. Pairing fever with urinary-specific signs—dysuria (burning or painful urination) and cloudy urine—strongly suggests a urinary tract infection related to catheter use. This combination covers both the systemic response and the local urinary symptoms, making it the most reliable indicator among the options.

Fever alone can occur with many conditions, so it isn’t as informative by itself. No symptoms would not indicate an infection, and fever with only one urinary sign (either dysuria or cloudy urine) is less specific than having both urinary signs in addition to fever. If you notice fever plus urinary symptoms during intermittent catheterization, it’s important to seek evaluation for a possible infection and appropriate management.