What is the purpose of a bladder scan after catheter removal?

• A. To measure urine pH
• B. To check kidney function
• C. To assess bladder capacity
• D. To evaluate residual urine volume

Answer: (D)

After a catheter is removed, the bladder scan is used to measure how much urine remains in the bladder after voiding, called the post-void residual. This helps detect urinary retention or incomplete emptying, which can lead to discomfort, infection risk, or bladder overdistension if not addressed. A low residual means the bladder emptied well; a high residual may prompt further assessment or interventions, such as timed voiding or, in some cases, reinsertion of a catheter. A bladder scan isn’t used to measure urine pH, assess kidney function, or determine total bladder capacity, which involve different tests or evaluations.