Catheters

Question 1

What is another word for intermittent cath?

Answer 1

straight cath

Question 2

how long do we leave a straight cath in for?

Answer 2

5-10 min

Question 3

where do we insert a catheter?

Answer 3

urethra

Question 4

In hospital we use sterile technique to help reduce hospital infections. What do people in the community use?

Answer 4

Clean technique

Question 5

How do people in the community clean their catheters?

Answer 5

soap and water
air dry

Question 6

What is another name for a Foley?

Answer 6

Indwelling catheter

Question 7

What is the Foley catheter held in place by?

Answer 7

a small balloon

Question 8

What do we fill the foley balloon with? What do we NOT fill it with?

Answer 8

Sterile water (SW) - yes
normal saline (NS) - no b/c of crystalization over time and can’t deflate the balloon fully - damage to urethra on the way out

Question 9

Is foley an open or closed system?

Answer 9

Closed- always attached to a bag

Question 10

What are two lumen catheters for?

Answer 10

1. urine
2. sterile water to inflate or deflate the balloon

Question 11

What are three lumen catheters for?

Answer 11

1. Urine
2. sterile water to inflate/deflate balloon
3. irrigation

Question 12

What type of irrigation is the three lumen used for?

Answer 12

continuous

Question 13

What type of saline runs through the catheter during irrigation?

Answer 13

Normal saline (not sterile water - that’s for the balloon)

Question 14

Where is the volume capacity of the balloon indicated?

Answer 14

on the balloon port

Question 15

How long can triple lumens be used?

Answer 15

short term
long term

Question 16

What is the coude tip catheter used for?

Answer 16

male patients that have an enlarged prostate that partly obstructs the urethra

Question 17

What are the French sizes used for children, adult females, adult males?

Answer 17

8-10 Fr - children
10-12 Fr- female adults
12-16 Fr - male adults
(always use smallest

Question 18

What material is best for long term and why?

Answer 18

Silicone
less encrustation at urethral meatus

Question 19

What material is good for intermittent only?

Answer 19

plastic - more stiff

Question 20

What are 4 reasons that urine might leak around a catheter?

Answer 20

1. bladder spasms due to constipation or fecal impaction
2. too large catheter ballon 30mL or >18 fr = irritation
3. UTI
4. catheter kink, bladder neck trauma from balloon traction

Question 21

What are 3 things we can do if there is leaking around the catheter?

Answer 21

1. change lumen size
2. anticholinergic meds
3. urologist referral

Question 22

what is CAUTI?

Answer 22

catheter associated urinary tract infection

Question 23

What is one of the highest risks with urinary catheters?

Answer 23

infection

Question 24

How often should indwelling catheters be changed?

Answer 24

evidence informed practice says (not routinely) :
1. infection
2. obstruction
3. close system is compromised
4. 30 days as per manufacturer

Question 25

How many days is short term catheter ?

Answer 25

less than 14 days

Question 26

What are the 6 indications of short-term indwelling catheter?

Answer 26

1. some surgical procedures/postoperative care
2. need accurate I&O for critically ill
3. long immobilization due to trauma
4. meds into bladder
5. acute urinary retention or bladder outlet obstruction
6. end of life - comfort care if requested

Question 27

What are some indications of long-term indwelling catheter use?

Answer 27

1. bladder outlet obstruction pre-surgery or can’t have surgery
2. neurological issue (if intermittent is not possible)
3. stage 3 or stage 4 sacral pressure injury or perineal skin breakdown in incontinent patients
4. last resort for other unsuccessful methods

Question 28

three indications for intermittent catheter

Answer 28

1. bladder not contractile well/sphincter issues
2. spinal cord injury/spinal bifida
3. collect sterile urine (if midstream can’t be retrieved)

Question 29

What reason for a catheter is NOT indicated and why?

Answer 29

incontinence alone
due to risk of infection and urethral damage

Question 30

which void do we assess carefully after catheter removal?

Answer 30

the first one and time and amount over 24-48 hours

Question 31

What symptoms must we assess after catheter removal?

Answer 31

1. frequency
2. bladder distension
3. abdominal pain
4. dribbling
5. incontinence
6. sensation of incomplete emptying

Question 32

how many hours elapse before we contact the provider if there is no voiding or if patient has discomfort?

Answer 32

8 hours (DTV - due to void)