Elimination Skils: Catheters & Ostomy Care

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Purpose of Urinary Catheters

Used for clients who are unable to void or need constant monitoring of fluid status. They require a provider's prescription and are typically temporary due to increased risks with prolonged use.

Types of Urinary Catheters

Straight catheters, indwelling catheters, urinary retention (multiple-lumen) catheters, coudé catheters, condom catheters, and suprapubic catheters.

Straight Catheter

A catheter designed for one-time use that is immediately removed after insertion and urine drainage.

• do not have balloons at the tip of it

Indwelling Catheter

Catheter used short term that provides a closed drainage system for urine.

Retention Catheter

A multiple-lumen catheter commonly used postoperatively for draining urine, bladder irrigation, and medication instillation.

Coudé Catheter

A catheter with a curved tip designed for easier insertion in clients with prostatic hyperplasia.

Suprapubic Catheter

A catheter placed through a surgical opening in the abdomen rather than through the urethra. (indwelling)

Condom Catheter

A non-invasive device featuring a latex or silicone sheath that is placed over the penis.

Catheter Materials and Sizes

Selection depends on client size, age, pathology, and potential allergies to materials (which can include latex and silicone).

Catheter Balloons

Small balloons inflated with sterile saline to keep indwelling, retention, coudé, and suprapubic catheters anchored in place.

Urinary Collection Systems

Two main styles are available: standard collection bags and leg-bags, both offering distinct advantages and disadvantages based on patient needs and privacy.

Standard Collection Bag

A urinary collection system with a large capacity that must be emptied regularly, typically every 8 hours, to avoid leaks and contamination.

Leg-Bag

A smaller drainage system that attaches directly to the client's leg, is concealed under clothing, and promotes dignity and autonomy for ambulatory clients.

Emptying the Collection Bag

Open the drain valve at the bottom of the bag to allow urine to flow into a urinal or container before flushing down the toilet.

Assessment Before Catheterization

Critical assessments include allergies, mental status, urine quality, voiding patterns, vital signs, skin assessment, and abdominal assessment before and after insertion.

prostatic hyperplasia

A condition characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can obstruct urine flow, often seen in older men. sup

pathology

related to the study of diseases and their causes, effects, and progression.

Skin maceration

the softening, turning white or gray, and breaking down of the skin caused by prolonged exposure to moisture

Skin denudation

is the loss or stripping away of the skin's outermost layer (the epidermis), which exposes the raw, sensitive dermis underneath.

Appearance: Looks red, shiny, moist, or weeping with irregular borders.

What is the maximum time that a patient can go without excreting urine?

no more than 6 hours per Dr. Mofidi