Catheters

Question 1

Conditions that may require catheterization:

know at least 3

Answer 1

• Need to monitor urine output
• Relief of urinary obstruction
• Postoperative care
• A bladder that empties inadequately as a result of a
  neuro condition
• Urinary incontinence if the leaking urine interferes
  with wound healing

Question 2

Single lumen catheters are used for?

Answer 2

Intermittent catheterization

Question 3

Double lumen catheters are used for?

Answer 3

Indwelling catheterization

• One lumen for drainage
• One lumen to inflate the balloon

Question 4

Triple lumen catheters are used for?

Answer 4

Continuous bladder irrigation or to instill medications into the bladder

• One lumen drains
• One for the balloon
• One to deliver irrigation fluid

Question 5

Choose catheter based on:

3

Answer 5

• Latex allergy (indwelling are made of latex or silicone, straight are made of rubber)
• Hx of catheter encrustation
• Susceptibility to infection

Question 6

What size catheters are usually used for adults? How might the size differ for older adults?

Answer 6

Most adults use French 14 or 16, older women or men with an enlarged prostate may need a Fr 12 or 14

Question 7

What size catheters are usually used for children?

Answer 7

Fr 8-10

Question 8

What size catheters are usually used for infants?

Answer 8

Fr 5-6

Question 9

What is different about the Coudé catheter? What might it be used for?

Answer 9

It has a slightly bent tip designed to navigate past a urinary obstruction (enlarged prostate)

Question 10

How do the balloon sizes for catheters differ between adults, children, and when used for continuous irrigation?

Answer 10

• Adults: 5mL balloon filled with 10mL
• Children: 3mL
• Continuous irrigation: 30mL

Question 11

What allows belly bags to be wore on the abdm and above the bladder?

Answer 11

They have one way valves that allow them to go above the bladder

Question 12

If unable to visualize a female pts urethra, what technique might help?

Answer 12

Asking them to bear down or to cough

Question 13

After insertion, when urine first begins to flow what should you do? Explain

Answer 13

Advance the catheter 2.5-5cm further to ensure the tip is in the bladder and not the urethra

Question 14

What should be documented after a catheter is inserted?

know at least 4

Answer 14

• Reason for catheter
• Type
• Size
• Amount of fluid in balloon
• Specimen collected
• Characteristics and amount of urine
• Pt’s tolerance

Question 15

What method may help relax pelvic muscles in peds pts before catheter insertion?

Answer 15

Blowing into a straw or pinwheel

Question 16

What is a suprapubic catheter?

Answer 16

Urinary drainage bag inserted surgically into the bladder through the abdominal wall above the symphysis pubis

Question 17

Why would a suprapubic catheter be used over a urinary catheter?

Answer 17

• Blockage of the urethra
  
  • (ex. enlarged prostate, urethral stricture, after
    urologic surgery) or when long term urethral
    catheterization causes irritation, discomfort or
• Interferes with sexual functioning

Question 18

How should a suprapubic catheter be cleaned?

Answer 18

Clean base of catheter moving up and away from site (proximal to distal)

Question 19

What should you do if your pt has UTI symptoms or a suspected catheter site infct?
(5)

Answer 19

• Increase fluid intake to 2200mL/24hrs
• Monitor VS
• I&O
• Observe urine characteristics
• Notify MRP

Question 20

What should you do if the catheter becomes dislodged?

Answer 20

Cover site with sterile dressing, notify MRP