Indwelling catheters are primarily designed for what function?

Indwelling catheters are primarily designed to remain inside the bladder and drain urine continuously. This type of catheter allows for ongoing urinary drainage, which is essential for patients who are unable to void on their own due to various medical conditions, surgeries, or other health-related issues. By providing a continuous route for urine to exit the body, indwelling catheters help prevent complications such as urinary retention or overdistension of the bladder.

In this context, it's important to emphasize that indwelling catheters are not intended for immediate removal after use, nor are they designed solely as a temporary measure, even though they can be used temporarily in some cases. Additionally, these catheters are not exclusive to female patients; they can be used by individuals of any gender who require such a device for medical reasons.