Short Answer: Urethral Catheterization

14 and 16 French, On-Way or Two-Way foley

Describe the most common sizes of catheters used for an adult

Sterile technique must be used. Clean area before inserting catheter, be aware of the patient's allergy status. Do not raise the catheter unit above the level of bladder to prevent retrograde urine flow to prevent a UTI.

One of the most common acquired infections results from urinary catheterization. Describe how to prevent contamination and retrograde flow of urine?

Latex, tape, cleaning solution

Prior to setup and insertion, you must check for allergies. Analyze the possible types of allergies that need consideration

Test by inflating the balloon prior. Supplies should be gathered prior to catheterization. A balloon may be used to place pressure on the bladder neck.

Review the preparation of supplies and describe pretesting the balloon

Be sure the tubing is not kinked or compressed, the urinary collection bag must be placed lower than level of the bladder. Do not raise the collection unit above level of bladder to prevent retrograde urine flow, preventing UTI. Drainage occurs by gravity.

What is the mechanism of action for urine draingage?

Compensates for the fluid that remains in the inflation channel

Why do you use 10 mL of water in a 5 mL capacity balloon?

Prevents unnecessary tension on urethra and prevents the catheter from being accidentally removed

Why is it important to secure the tubing and locate and control the drainage bag during transfer of the patient to the recovery stretcher?

Saline breaks down catheter material. Air may escape from balloon and cause an embolism

Why is water used to inflate the balloon?

Pelvic procedures. Reasons include bladder decompression, drainage of urine, bladder irrigation, control bleeding.

Analyze the reasons for inserting a urethral catheter. Which type of surgical procedures require bladder decompression to improve visualization?

Female: frog leg position, insert catheter approximately 5cm in adult female and 2.5 cm in female child. Male: insert catheter 17.5-22 cm in an adults or 5-7.5 cm in child, patient in supine position

Compare the differences in insertion technique between the male and female