Adult urinary catheterisation and catheter care

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Equipment required for Catheterisation
   1. Cleaning solutions
   2. Sterile water for balloon inflation
   3. Use of lubricants for male and female catheterization
3. Gaining consent for urinary catheterisation
   1. Support and information required
4. Summary
5. References

Introduction

This learning activity looks at the equipment required for performing catheterisation, the appropriate use of lubricants for male and female catheterisation, and the importance of obtaining informed consent prior to catheterisation. No one should catheritise without appropriate competence assessment from their employer.

In this activity you will:

- Identify the equipment required for performing urinary catheterisation

- Critically discuss the evidence base for use of lubricants for male and female urethral catheterisation

- Explain urinary catheterisation to patients and obtain informed consent

Urinary catheterisation is an invasive procedure and should not be undertaken lightly or without adequate preparation. Preparation refers to both the selection and preparation of appropriate equipment, but also preparation of the patient and includes obtaining consent.

While many nurses make appropriate decisions to catheterise a patient, this procedure should not be performed without first seeking advice from or checking with the medical staff responsible for the patient's care. On most occasions the doctor will agree with the nurses judgement and suggestion, but they may have a good reason why they don't want the patient catheterised that nursing staff may not be aware of.

This activity outlines the importance of evidence-based decision making in preparing equipment for the procedure and issues surrounding obtaining valid and informed consent.