Urethral catheterisation technique

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. A skilled procedure
3. The full process
4. Preparing the trolley
5. Inserting the catheter
6. Gloves
7. Key points
8. Male urethral catheterisation
   1. Sterile field and gauze
   2. Cleaning the urethral meatus
   3. What position?
   4. Balloon
9. Summary
10. References

A skilled procedure

Catheterisation is a frequently performed procedure that is most often undertaken by nursing staff. Catheterisation should always be undertaken as an aseptic, non-touch technique within a hospital setting or if undertaken by nurses or other health professionals in the patients' own home.

This is a skilled procedure (RCN, 2008) and nurses should acquire both the knowledge and skills required before they can be considered competent.