Catheter Advice!!!

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Does anyone have any catheter placement tips? I know sometimes the meatus is easy to see, and it just slips right in, and then other times it's like "are we sure there is one"? I didn't know if anyone had any tips that really seem to work for them.

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It is difficult sometimes but this usually works for me: Position the pt so she is fairly flat and place her legs in the "frog" position. With your "dirty" hand spread the labia out and up. By spreading the labia out and up the anatomical landmarks are better visualized. Hope this helps!!

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Specializes in Psych, Med-Surg.

Great advice! I'll try it!

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Specializes in L&D/postpartum.

a lot of us just grab another nurse if we anticipate that it might be difficult to interpret/locate certain anatomy. usually having someone else using two hands to spread things open for you will make it infinitely easier. some older nurses might grumble about it and accuse you of not being able to do it yourself, but it really does make the process quick and easy.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I like having another set of hands there - really does make things easier if you are dealing w/ a lot of edema (talking post-delivery here). One tip that has really helped me is to find the privy parts, go just below it, and angle the catheter up. Works about 90% of the time.

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Specializes in PICU/NICU.

Great tips on this thread! Another thing I do is when you go slip the cath into the "wrong place"- leave it there while you get another cath ready so that you already know where not to go- makes it a little easier the second time.

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Specializes in Labor & Delivery.

I don't know what you use to clean the area but we use betadine. If you swipe from top to bottom with the betadine swab you will usually see a "wink" as you wipe over the urinary meatus. Usually that is a huge help to me. I really don't have to many problems with placing catheters......but if i do im never to proud to ask for help!!

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I work in LTC, so things aren't text book there. Realize that in older women..it is lower and might seem like it is actually in the lady parts.

Always bring help and a flash light or have good light. Sometimes it helps to raise the the foot of the bed or have them sit on an upside down bed pan.

Bring extra supplies and if you don't get it the first time, leave that one in place then try again with the new cath.

Deep breath for you and the the pt too!

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Thanks alot for the great advice! I've heard of that winking tip, but for me, I've just never seen it.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.
Great tips on this thread! Another thing I do is when you go slip the cath into the "wrong place"- leave it there while you get another cath ready so that you already know where not to go- makes it a little easier the second time.

LOL, was just going to say that. This tip works!:bowingpur

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What one nurse taught me - "Aim High". I have also used all the other tips listed. They help lots!

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The "winking" tip definitely works for me. Saturate the cottons with the betadine and swipe from top to bottom slowly and you'll usually see the meatus ..

Oh and for sure if you cant find it, look lower .. I've seen it practically in the lady parts in my larger patients as well.

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