LECTURE 4 (Female urinary catheterisation)

Question 1

What is Urethral catheterisation?

Answer 1

A standard method of accessing the urinary bladder. A flexible catheter is passed through the urethra into the bladder.

Question 2

What are the indications for urethral catheterisation?

Answer 2

• Relief of acute or chronic urinary retention (e.g due to urethral obstruction or neurogenic bladder)
• Treatment of urinary incontinence
• Monitoring of urine output
• Collection of sterile urine for culture
• Diagnostic studies of the lower genitourinary tract

Question 3

What is the positioning for catheterisation?

Answer 3

To expose the vulva, position the patient supine in either lithotomy or frog position (hips and knees partially flexed, heels on the bed, hips comfortably abducted)

Question 4

What are the complications of catheterisation?

Answer 4

• Urinary tract infections (prevented by maintaining strict sterile technique)
• Urethral injury (prevented by not using excessive force)

Question 5

How long is the female Urinary catheter?

Answer 5

23-26cm