IUC
Medical abbreviation · Nursing
| Stands for | Indwelling urinary catheter |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
IUC stands for Indwelling urinary catheter, a nursing abbreviation.
Catheter that stays in the bladder, held by an inflated balloon and draining into a closed bag, commonly called a Foley. It is used for retention, accurate output measurement in critical illness and some surgeries.
Example: IUC day 3, still indicated for strict output; perineal care done.
Usage notes
Each extra day raises infection risk, so many hospitals use nurse-driven removal protocols such as HOUDINI, which lists accepted reasons to keep a catheter. The bag must hang below bladder level and never rest on the floor. Infections linked to these devices are tracked as CAUTI.
Related abbreviations
More nursing abbreviations
- HOB – Head of bed
- HOH – Hard of hearing
- I&O – Intake and output
- INT – Intermittent needle therapy (intermittent infusion device)
- IPC – Intermittent pneumatic compression
- IS – Incentive spirometry
- IVF – Intravenous fluids
- JP – Jackson-Pratt drain
- KVO – Keep vein open
- LBM – Last bowel movement
- LDA – Lines, drains and airways
- MAR – Medication administration record
See all 90 nursing abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.