Urinary Catheterization

Question 1

Answer 1

Straight-single use catheters

Have a single lumen with a small 1¼ cm opening

Question 2

Answer 2

Curved or Coude

Catheters have a rounded curved tip (elbowed) used in older male patients with enlarged prostates which partially obstruct the urethra.

Question 3

Answer 3

2-way Foley catheters (retention catheters)

Have an inflatable balloon that encircles the tip near the lumen or opening of the catheter.

Question 4

Answer 4

3-way Foley catheter

Often called retention catheter, they have 2 or 3 lumens that encircle the body of the catheter. One lumen drains the urine through the catheter into a collection bag. The second lumen holds the sterile water when the catheter is inflated and is also used to deflate the balloon. The third lumen may be used to instill medications into the bladder or provide a route for continuous bladder irrigation.