Urinary Catheterization

Question 1

What should be included in informed consent for urinary catheterization?

Answer 1

• Describe benefits and indication for catheter placement
• Define risks
• Discus expected duration of catheter use and criteria for removal
• Let patient know that it may be uncomfortablle
• Use numbing medication
• Use smallest size catheter that is appropriate

Question 2

What type of catheter should be used in men with BPH?

Answer 2

Coude catheter

Question 3

What are some indications for a urinary catheter?

Answer 3

• Patient has acute urinary retention or bladder outlet obstruction
• Need for accurate measurements of urinary output
• Perioperative use for selected surgical procedures
• To assist in healing of open sacral or perineal wounds
• Patient requires prolonged immobolization
• To improve comfort during end of life care

Question 4

What are contraindications to urinary catheter placement?

Answer 4

• Known or suspected urethral injury (such as pelvic fracture)
• gross hematuria,
• blood at the urethral meatus,
• perineal ecchymosis,
• a “high-riding” prostate on digital rectal exam
• ALL signs that are associated with urethral trauma