Female Urinary Catheterisation OSCA

Flashcards covering key information on female urinary catheterisation, including indications, complications, procedure steps, equipment, and documentation.

What are the indications for urinary catheterisation?

Diagnosis (monitoring urine output, obtaining specimens), treatment (urinary obstruction or retention), and prevention of complications (pre-op insertion).

What are the two main types of urinary catheters mentioned?

Intermittent (inserted, procedure done, then withdrawn) and indwelling (urine drains freely for hours or days).

What are the significant risks or complications associated with catheterisation?

Urinary tract infection (UTI), mucosal trauma, and hydronephrosis.

How can the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) be reduced?

Removal of catheters at the earliest possible time.

What is important to provide to a patient undergoing urinary catheterisation?

A clear and full explanation of what will happen, why it is necessary, and how they can help to facilitate the procedure.

What key assessments are important prior to urinary catheter insertion?

Patient mobility, room lighting and temperature, patient history (strictures, abnormalities), allergies to latex or adhesive, and anxiety.

What patient position is recommended for female urinary catheterisation?

Dorsal recumbent position, with knees bent and abducted.

What is the initial step for preparing the perineal area before catheterisation?

Expose and wash the perineal area thoroughly with a soapy warm washcloth and towel to reduce microorganisms.

What equipment is needed to locate the urinary meatus?

Additional light such as a torch or portable light source (genealogical lamp).

What type of catheter should be used if a patient is allergic to latex?

A silicone catheter.

What is the correct bed height for performing urinary catheterisation?

Hip height.

What is the primary purpose of applying a fenestrated drape during catheterisation?

To maintain a sterile field, covering the mons pubis area and exposing the labia.

During female catheterisation, what is the role of the non-dominant hand after spreading the labia majora?

It must remain in position and cannot touch any sterile equipment.

Describe the cleansing technique for the urinary meatus using forceps and saline-soaked gauze.

Use a single piece of gauze per stroke (top to bottom), cleansing from the labia majora, inwards (majora, majora, minora, minora, urethra).

What action should the patient take right before catheter insertion?

Take a deep breath and exhale to relax the sphincter.

If the catheter is advanced 10-12cm and there is no urine return, what is the likely issue and what should be done?

It is likely in the vagina; leave the catheter in place and begin the process again with a new sterile setup.

How should the catheter balloon be inflated?

By pushing the entire amount of fluid in the syringe into the balloon port, checking that inflation does not cause pain or discomfort.

How should the drainage collection bag be positioned after attachment?

Hung below the level of the bladder.

Why is a stat lock device used to secure the catheter?

To prevent tension on the catheter and the bladder neck as the patient moves.

What documentation is required after urinary catheterisation?

Reason for catheterisation, date and time, amount and characteristics of urine, type and size of catheter, balloon size, type and amount of solution used to inflate the balloon, any problems encountered, and a Fluid Balance Chart (FBC).

When should indwelling urinary catheters be removed?

As soon as clinically possible to minimise the risk of CAUTIs and reduce the length of hospital stays.

What is the first step in removing an indwelling urinary catheter?

Obtain a verbal or written order for the catheter to be removed.

How is the balloon deflated when removing an indwelling catheter?

Attach the syringe to the balloon port and allow the fluid to drain into the syringe.

What patient action is helpful during catheter removal?

Taking a deep breath and exhaling as the catheter is gently pulled.