Catheterisation

Question 1

What is urinary catheterisation?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 1

• insertion of a tube into the bladder using aseptic technique
• may cause distress for patients as can cause pain, discomfort, movement and body issues

Question 2

When would urinary catheterisation be carried out?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 2

• for acute and chronic urinary retention
• maintain continuos outflow of urine for patients with voiding difficulties
• patients with prolinged immobolization
• for some surgical procedures
• managemement of incontinence
• ensure comfort during end-of-life care

Question 3

When should catherters be removed?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 3

• when the patient does not fall under the HOUDINI protocol

H- haematuria, O- obstruction, U- urological surgery- D- decubitis ulcers, I- input/ouput measures, N- neurogenic bladder dysfunction, I- immobolization

Question 4

What things are important to consider during catheterisation?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 4

• size, material, and balloon capacity of catheter
• type of drainage bag used
• how drainage bag is attached, leg strap etc.
• use of pharmacological support e.g. lubricationg, lidocane gel

Question 5

What is supra-pubic catheterisation?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 5

• insertion of a catheter through the abdominal wall into the dome of the bladder
• perfomred under general or local anesthesia
• used for long-term conditions e,g, MS or spinal cord innuried, people with long-term catheters to minimise risk of urethral infections, management of neuropatrhic bladders, post-operativve drainage or urine after lower urinary tract or bowel surgery