When moving a patient who has a urinary catheter, where should the catheter be kept?

Keeping the urinary catheter below the bladder is the correct practice because it helps facilitate proper drainage of urine. By positioning the catheter lower than the bladder, gravity aids in the flow of urine through the catheter and into the drainage bag. This can prevent complications such as backflow, which could lead to urinary tract infections or other issues.

In addition to the drainage benefits, maintaining the catheter below bladder level minimizes the risk of bladder distension and discomfort for the patient. It also ensures that the collection bag does not become overfilled, which could impact the effectiveness of the catheter and patient comfort.

When considering the other positioning options, keeping the catheter at bladder level could result in inadequate drainage and increased risk of urine retention. Similarly, positioning the catheter above the bladder would impede urine flow, and placing it at knee level could still allow for some complications related to drainage inefficiency. Therefore, positioning the catheter correctly is essential for the patient's health and comfort.