When placing an indwelling urinary catheter, where should the nurse hold the catheter?
Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN) Show Safely and accurately placing an indwelling urinary catheter poses several challenges that require the nurse to use clinical judgment. Challenges can include anatomical variations in a specific patient, medical conditions affecting patient positioning, and maintaining sterility of the procedure with confused or agitated patients. See the checklists on Foley Catheter Insertion (Male) and Foley Catheter Insertion (Female) for detailed instructions. Nursing interventions to prevent the development of a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) on insertion include the following[1]:
A urinary catheter is a flexible tube used to empty the bladder and collect urine in a drainage bag. Urinary catheters are usually inserted by a doctor or nurse. They can either be inserted through the tube that carries urine out of the bladder (urethral catheter) or through a small opening made in your lower tummy (suprapubic catheter). The catheter usually remains in the bladder, allowing urine to flow through it and into a drainage bag. When urinary catheters are usedA urinary catheter is usually used when people have difficulty peeing (urinating) naturally. It can also be used to empty the bladder before or after surgery and to help perform certain tests. Specific reasons a urinary catheter may be used include:
Depending on the type of catheter you have and why it's being used, the catheter may be removed after a few minutes, hours or days, or it may be needed for the long term. Types of urinary catheterThere are 2 main types of urinary catheter:
Many people prefer to use an indwelling catheter because it's more convenient and avoids the repeated insertions needed with intermittent catheters. However, indwelling catheters are more likely to cause problems such as infections. Inserting either type of catheter can be uncomfortable, so anaesthetic gel may be used on the area to reduce any pain. You may also experience some discomfort while the catheter is in place, but most people with a long-term catheter get used to this over time. Read more about the types of urinary catheter. Looking after your catheterIf you need a long-term urinary catheter, you'll be given detailed advice about looking after it before you leave hospital. This will include advice about getting new catheter supplies, reducing the risk of complications such as infections, spotting signs of potential problems, and when you should get medical advice. You should be able to live a relatively normal life with a urinary catheter. The catheter and bag can be concealed under clothes, and you should be able to do most everyday activities, including working, exercising, swimming and having sex. Read more about living with a urinary catheter. Risks and potential problemsThe main problems caused by urinary catheters are infections in the urethra, bladder or, less commonly, the kidneys. These types of infection are known as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and usually need to be treated with antibiotics. You can get a UTI from using either a short-term or a long-term catheter. However, the longer a catheter is used, the greater the risk of infection. This is why it's important that catheters are inserted correctly, maintained properly, and only used for as long as necessary. Catheters can also sometimes lead to other problems, such as bladder spasms (similar to stomach cramps), leakages, blockages, and damage to the urethra. Read more about the risks of urinary catheterisation. Page last reviewed: 26 February 2020 Where should you hold the catheter?Keep the catheter secured to your thigh to keep it from moving. Don't lie on your catheter or block the flow of urine in the tubing. Shower daily to keep the catheter clean. Wash your hands before and after touching the catheter or bag.
What is the appropriate position while inserting the urinary catheter?Male patient: Hold penis perpendicular to body and pull up slightly on shaft. Ask patient to bear down gently (as if to void) and slowly insert catheter through urethral meatus. Advance catheter 17 to 22.5 cm or until urine flows from catheter.
Where should an indwelling urinary catheter be secured for a female patient?Pull gently on the catheter until you feel resistance. Secure the catheter to your patient's thigh with enough slack to prevent movement from creating tension on the catheter. Secure the drainage bag on the bed frame below her bladder level. Provide perineal care, then remove your gloves and wash your hands.
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