What is insertion and changing of urethral catheters ?
Insertion and changing of urethral catheters are medical procedures involving the placement and replacement of a catheter into the bladder through the urethra. Urethral catheters are commonly used for draining urine when a person is unable to do so naturally due to various medical conditions. Here are the general steps involved in the insertion and changing of urethral catheters:
Insertion of Urethral Catheters:
- Preparation:
- Gather necessary supplies, including a sterile catheter kit, gloves, lubricant, antiseptic solution, and a drainage bag.
- Patient Preparation:
- Explain the procedure to the patient, obtain informed consent, and ensure the patient is in a comfortable position.
- Hand Hygiene:
- Wash hands thoroughly and put on sterile gloves to maintain aseptic conditions.
- Sterile Field:
- Create a sterile field for the catheterization procedure using a sterile drape.
- Catheter Selection:
- Choose an appropriate-sized catheter based on the patient’s age, gender, and medical condition.
- Catheter Lubrication:
- Lubricate the catheter tip with a water-soluble lubricant to facilitate insertion.
- Insertion:
- Gently insert the catheter through the urethra into the bladder. Advance the catheter until urine flows into the drainage bag.
- Securement:
- Once the catheter is in place, secure it to the patient’s leg or abdomen to prevent accidental removal.
- Connect Drainage Bag:
- Connect the catheter to a drainage bag, ensuring a closed system for urine collection.
- Document:
- Document the date, time, size of the catheter used, and any relevant observations in the patient’s medical records.
Changing Urethral Catheters:
- Assessment:
- Assess the need for catheter change based on clinical indications such as infection, blockage, or leakage.
- Preparation:
- Gather necessary supplies, including a sterile catheter kit, gloves, lubricant, and antiseptic solution.
- Patient Preparation:
- Explain the catheter change procedure to the patient and ensure they are comfortable.
- Hand Hygiene:
- Wash hands thoroughly and put on sterile gloves.
- Sterile Field:
- Create a sterile field for the catheter change using a sterile drape.
- Catheter Removal:
- Carefully remove the existing catheter, taking note of any resistance or discomfort.
- Catheter Insertion:
- Follow the steps for catheter insertion as mentioned earlier for placing a new catheter.
- Securement and Connection:
- Secure the new catheter in place and connect it to a drainage bag.
- Document:
- Document the catheter change details, including the reason for change and any observations during the procedure.
It’s important to note that catheter insertion and changes should be performed by trained healthcare professionals to minimize the risk of complications and ensure patient safety. Strict adherence to aseptic techniques helps prevent infections during these procedures.
