Which catheter has a retention balloon at the tip and is used to drain urine?

• A. Three-way catheter
• B. Condom catheter
• C. Foley catheter
• D. Suprapubic catheter

Answer: (C)

Having a retention balloon at the tip is the defining feature of a Foley catheter. After insertion through the urethra into the bladder, the small balloon is inflated to hold the catheter in place, allowing urine to drain continuously into a collection bag. This distinguishes it from other urinary devices: a three-way catheter is a Foley with an extra lumen for bladder irrigation, a condom catheter is external and doesn’t enter the bladder, and a suprapubic catheter is inserted through the abdominal wall into the bladder (and may also be balloon-secured, but the classic description of a retention balloon at the tip used for drainage points to the Foley).