A catheter is a medical device consisting of a long, thin tube that can be fitted with a variety of different tips to serve a range of functions.Catheters are inserted into the body as part of many different medical procedures, for instance, they are used to diagnose genitourinary (GU) tract bleeding, to monitor intracranial pressure and even administer certain medicines."Inserting a catheter" refers to the practice of placing a urinary catheter into a patient's urethra for draining urine.Proper medical training and strict adherence to safety and Sanitation procedures are necessary for this common procedure.
Step 1: Explain the process to a patient.
Most patients don't know how to insert a long tube into their urethra.This is often described as "uncomfortable," even intensely so.Explain the steps of the procedure to the patient before they start.Explaining the steps can help the patient relax.
Step 2: Put the patient on their back.
The patient's legs should be spread.Lying in a supine position relaxes the bladder and urethra.Pain and sometimes even damage to the underlying tissue of the urethra can be caused by a tense urethra.This can cause bleeding in severe cases.If necessary, help the patient get into the supine position.
Step 3: Put on gloves when you wash your hands.
Health care workers use gloves to protect themselves and the patient during medical procedures.sterile gloves are used to make sure that the patient's bodily fluids don't come into contact with your hands.
Step 4: You can open the catheter assembly.
There are sealed, sterile kits for single-use catheters.Before opening the kit, make sure you have the correct catheter.The correct size of the catheter is needed for your patient.The French units are used to rate the size of the Catheters and they are available in sizes from 12 to 48 French.Larger catheters may be necessary to ensure the catheter stays in place or to remove thick urine from the patient.Different functions can be served by the specialized tips of some catheters.A type of catheter called a Foley catheter is used for draining urine because it includes a balloon attachment which can be inflated to secure the catheter behind the bladder neck.There are medical-grade disinfectant, cotton swabs, surgical drapes, lubricant, water, tubing, a drainage bag, and tape.All items need to be cleaned and/or sterilized.
Step 5: Prepare the patient's genital area by sterilizing.
Use cotton swabs to scrub the patient's genital area.To remove debris, rinse or scrub the area with sterile water or alcohol.As needed, repeat.When finished, lay down surgical drapes around the genitals, leaving a space for access to the penis or vagina.The labia and urethral meatus are important for female patients.The urethral opening on the penis needs to be cleaned by men.The urethra should not be contaminated by cleaning from inside to outside.Start at the urethral opening and work your way outward in a circular fashion.
Step 6: The tip of the catheter has a lubricant applied to it.
The tip of the catheter should be coated with a generous amount of lubricant.You will insert this end into the urethral opening.If using a balloon catheter, be sure to lubricate the balloon portion at the tip.
Step 7: The urethral meatus is where the catheter should be inserted if the patient is female.
Hold the catheter in your dominant hand and use your non-dominant hand to spread the patient's labia so that you can see the urethral opening.Place the tip of the catheter into the urethra.
Step 8: The catheter should be inserted into the urethral opening if the patient is male.
Pull the penis upward when you hold it in your non-dominant hand.Use your dominant hand to insert the catheter into the patient's urethra.
Step 9: Continue pushing until the catheter is in the bladder
The urethra and bladder should be gently fed with the length of the catheter.To make sure the catheter is against the neck of the bladder, push it into it another 2 inches after urine begins to flow.
Step 10: If you use a balloon catheter, make sure the balloon is inflated with sterile water.
The balloon should be inflated via sterile tubing connected to the catheter.The inflated balloon is used as an anchor to keep the catheter from moving.Pull the catheter gently to make sure the balloon is snug against the neck of the bladder.The size of the balloon on the catheter affects the amount of sterile water you use to inflate it.Check the size of your balloon to be sure, but usually 10cc of water is required.
Step 11: The catheter should be connected to the drainage bag.
To allow urine to drain into a drainage bag, use sterile medical tubing.Attach the catheter to the patient with tape.The drainage bag should be placed lower than the patient's bladder.urine cannot drain "uphill."In a medical environment, catheters can be left in for as long as 12 weeks before being changed.Straight or intermittent catheters can be removed immediately after urine stops flowing.