Unit 3: Catheterizations

Urinary Retention

is the inability of the bladder to empty, leading to urine accumulation.

the bladder cannot respond to the micturition reflex, causing urine to collect.

Indwelling Catheters

A catheter left in the bladder for continuous urine drainage.

Intermittent Catheters

A catheter inserted temporarily to drain urine, then removed.

External Catheters

A device placed outside the body to collect urine.

Three-Way Catheters

A catheter with three lumens used for drainage and bladder irrigation.

Coude Catheters

A catheter with a curved tip used for difficult insertions, such as enlarged prostate.

Urinary Diversions

redirects urine from the kidneys to the abdominal surface through a stoma.

Reasons for: Bladder cancer, trauma, radiation injury, fistulas, and chronic cystitis, May be temporary or permanent.

Suprapubic Catheters

Used when urethral blockage occurs (e.g., enlarged prostate, urethral stricture, posturological surgery).

Alternative to long-term urethral catheters causing irritation or discomfort.

Helps avoid interference with sexual functioning

Bladder Irrigation

involves flushing the bladder with a sterile solution using a urinary catheter. It helps maintain catheter patency, especially after urogenital surgery, and can prevent or manage occlusions caused by blood clots or sediment.

Intermittent Bladder Irrigation

Periodic flushing of the bladder without disrupting the closed catheter-drainage system.

Continuous Bladder Irrigation

A steady infusion of sterile solution into the bladder using a triple-lumen catheter.

Bladder Scanner

A noninvasive ultrasound device used to measure bladder volume and post-void residual urine.

Post-Void Residual

The amount of urine left in the bladder after voiding.

Normal PVR

Less than 50 mL of urine remaining after voiding.

Catheter Patency

Keeping the catheter open and allowing urine to flow freely.

Balloon Inflation

Filling the catheter balloon with sterile water to hold the catheter in place.