Catheterisation

Question 1

What size catheter would you use for a female?

Answer 1

The average size for a female is 12-14.

Question 2

What are the risks associated with catheterisation?

Answer 2

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Cystitis
• Mucosal trauma -bladder, urethra
• Hydronephrosis
• Bladder spasms
• Narrowing of the urethra

Question 3

What does is the “clean/dirty hand technique”?

Answer 3

Your “clean hand”is your dominant hand and your “dirty hand”is the other.
The “dirty hand” is responsible for holding the penis or retracting the labia to allow for visualization of the urethra.
The “clean hand” is responsible for cleansing the site with forceps, inserting the lubricating anaesthetic gel and inserting the catheter itself.