Urinary Catheterization

Definition of catheterization: Is the introduction of a tube (catheter) through the urethra into the urinary bladder

• Is performed only when absolutely necessary for fear of infection and trauma
Note. Strictly a sterile procedure, i.e. the nurse should always follow aseptic technique

Catheter: is a tube with a hole at the tip
Types of Catheter
1. Straight (plain or Robinson)
2. Retention (Foleys, indwelling)

Selecting an appropriate catheter:
• May be made of
♦ Plastic – for 1 week
♦ Latex – 2-3 (rubber)
♦ Silicon – for 2-3 month
♦ Pelyvinylchloride (PVC) – 4-6

1. Select the type of material in accordance with the estimatedlength of the catheterization period:
2. Determine appropriate catheter size
- are determined by diameter of lumen
- graded on French scale or number.

• Catheter size depends on the size of the urethral canal
♦ # 8-10 Fr – children
♦ # 14-16 Fr – female adults
♦ # 18 Fr – adult male
NB. Fr= French Scale

3. Determine appropriate catheter length by the clients gender
• For adult male – 40 cm catheter
• For adult females – 22 cm catheter

4. Select appropriate balloon size
• 5 ml – for adults
• 3 ml – for children