Certified Ostomy Care Nurse Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Mastering Your COCN Certification!

The recommended catheterization schedule for a continent urostomy during the first week after the removal of the postoperative catheter is every 4 to 6 hours around the clock. This schedule allows for regular drainage of urine, which is crucial to prevent urinary retention and complications such as infection or bladder distension.

During the initial postoperative period, the body is adjusting, and establishing a routine that provides flexibility while ensuring the bladder is emptied regularly is important. This pattern contributes to effective urine management and helps the patient become accustomed to their new urostomy. The frequency of every 4 to 6 hours is a balanced approach that is neither too frequent, which can lead to unnecessary strain, nor too infrequent, which could risk complications.

The other options might not provide the necessary frequency for optimal care and could either lead to excessive burden on the patient or an increased risk of complications.