Chapter 6: Bladder Catherization

Question 1

What is the most important factor for preventing urinary catheter-related complications?

Answer 1

Limiting their use to appropriate indications

Question 2

What are some indications for urinary catheters?

Answer 2

1. Management of acute urinary retention or bladder outlet obstruction
2. Urine output measurement in the critically ill
3. During surgery to assess fluid status
4. Management of immobilized patients

Question 3

What is an absolute contraindication of a urethral catheter?

Answer 3

The presence of a urethral injury that is usually associated with pelvic trauma

Question 4

What are some relative contraindications of urethral catheterization?

Answer 4

1. Urethral stricture
2. Recent urinary tract surgery
3. Presence of an artificial sphincter

Question 5

What is the most common inappropriate use of catheters?

Answer 5

Placing an in dwelling catheter as management for urinary incontinence.

Question 6

When are urethral indwelling catheters used?

Answer 6

Used in hospital settings for short term bladder drainage

Question 7

What is intermittent urethral catheterization?

Answer 7

Removal of the catheter immediately after bladder decompression with recatheterization on a regular basis.

Question 8

Describe catheter technology

Answer 8

Most have dual lumen tubes with one lumen draining the catheter and the other delivering water to the balloon.

Question 9

What is normal sizing for a urethral catheter in an adult

Answer 9

14-16 French for short term indwelling catheterization

Question 10

What comes in a standard urethral catheterization kit?

Answer 10

1. Sterile gloves
2. Drapes
3. Antiseptic solution
4. Sponges
5. Lubricant
6. Urinary catheter
7. 5 mL syringe with sterile water to inflate the ballon

Question 11

What is the positioning of a woman for a catheterization.

Answer 11

Supine. Lower extremities are frog-legged to maximize exposure of perineal area

Question 12

Steps of urinary catheterization.

Answer 12

1. Sterile gloves are donned and contents are inspected, make sure ballon inflates.
2. Draped area
3. Grab penis with non-dominant hand.
4. The catheter tip should be oriented dorsally

Question 13

When is the balloon inflated with sterile water?

Answer 13

Only after the flow of urine is seen.

Question 14

Name some complications of urinary catheters.

Answer 14

1. Bacterial and urinary tract infections
2. Epididimytis
3. Retained balloon fragments
4. Bladder fistula ( air or feces in the urine)
5. Bladder perforation