Which of the following are appropriate indications for bladder catheterization?

Bladder catheterization is primarily used in clinical settings to address specific urinary issues. One of the main indications for this procedure is to assess urinary retention and check for residual urine in the bladder. This is particularly important because urinary retention can lead to complications such as bladder distention, infection, and discomfort for the patient. By catheterizing the bladder, healthcare providers can measure the volume of urine left in the bladder after a patient attempts to void, which helps determine the extent of retention and guides further intervention.

In cases of urinary retention, catheterization can not only relieve the bladder but also allow for ongoing monitoring of bladder function. Identifying how much urine is retained or determining whether the patient can void normally after catheterization provides valuable information about the underlying cause of the retention.

Other choices may include options that imply incorrect uses or misunderstandings of bladder catheterization. For instance, testing cholesterol levels or using catheters solely for medication delivery without these indications lacks clinical relevance to urinary function. Using a catheter specifically for urinary incontinence may not be appropriate given that other management strategies exist that do not involve catheterization.

Therefore, the choice that highlights checking for residual urine in conjunction with addressing urinary retention aligns best with established clinical practices for catheter use.