Intermittent catheterisation

Question 1

Intermittent catheterisation

Answer 1

a safe and effective way of preserving renal function in people with
bladder dysfunction

Question 2

IC involves

Answer 2

the insertion and removal of a catheter to drain the bladder

Question 3

Intermittent catheterisation can be performed

Answer 3

y the individual (Intermittent self-catheterisation, ISC)

or performed by a healthcare professional or carer (intermittent catheterisation, IC).

Question 4

Intermittent self-catheterisation, ISC

Answer 4

a clean technique when used by the individual, a

Question 5

intermittent catheterisation, IC

Answer 5

a sterile technique when performed by healthcare

professionals or carers

Question 6

Potential complications IC

Answer 6

stricture formation (more common in men), pain, urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stone formation , urethral trauma, urethral bleeding and urethritis in both sexes

Question 7

The long term use of IC can increase

Answer 7

the risk of bladder calculus formation. The pathogenesis relates to
the introduction of pubic hair when the catheter is inserted which acts as the origin (nidus) for the
stone formation

Question 8

Urethral trauma can be secondary

Answer 8

to using unlubricated catheters, or the use of force when inserting
the catheter, which can lead to bladder spasm

Question 9

Infection

Answer 9

The risk of UTI’s is higher in women due to a shorter urethra, with bacteria able to reach the bladder
more easily and colonise the bladder wall (

Question 10

Risk factors of IC infection

Answer 10

Inadequate frequency of 
bladder emptying (IC)
Inadequate emptying at time 
of catheterization
Inappropriate fluid intake
Traumatic catheterisation

Question 11

Inadequate frequency of 
bladder emptying (IC)

Answer 11

Can lead to large bladder volumes and bladder distension, with longer
periods of urine stagnation.

Question 12

Inadequate emptying at time

of catheterization

Answer 12

Residual urine left in the bladder, promotes an environment for bacterial
colonisation
If a women presents with recurrent UTI’s residual urine after
catheterisation should be checked with a bladder scanner.

Question 13

Inappropriate fluid intake

Answer 13

A low fluid intake - When low volumes of urine are produced, patients are less likely to perform ISC at
desired intervals, producing urine stagnation and bladder distension.
if fluid intake is too high - to frequent
catheterisation which can increase the risk of introducing harmful
bacteria

Question 14

Traumatic catheterisation

Answer 14

Trauma breaks the bladder urothelium and urethral lining increasing the
risk of infection