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Discussion

Catheter question

I'm in the PN program at my community college going on my fifth week of school. We recently learned how to put in catheters but have only practices on mannequins. We will have to put in catheters in our clinicals next semester. I've been told that it's difficult to insert one into a woman, is there any advice out there that will help me when I have to put in catheters on real patients next semester?

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    It can be more difficult with women, but not always. If at all possible, ask a second person to help so you have an extra set of hands, especially handy if pt is extra large or confused. Also putting pt in slight trendelenburg makes everything kind of "fall in place" & makes for easier visualization.

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    Did my first female foley today. Lots of light and get in there is all I can say. ;)

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    Not sure if this will be helpful anymore but when cleaning with the three swabs look for the 'wink'. That is the opening to the urethra. And don't be shy about getting your hands up in there! Attach the syringe to the foley BEFORE you insert the catheter, it's easier to inflate the bubble right away and will save you some fumbling.

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    Hope you do it on a man first. They are easier. ;).

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    • Author
    Not sure if this will be helpful anymore but when cleaning with the three swabs look for the 'wink'. That is the opening to the urethra. And don't be shy about getting your hands up in there! Attach the syringe to the foley BEFORE you insert the catheter it's easier to inflate the bubble right away and will save you some fumbling.[/quote']

    Thank you for replying! I will definitely consider that. Another thing I'm nervous about with foleys is inflating the bubble too soon and hurting the patient!

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    • Author
    Hope you do it on a man first. They are easier. ;).

    Haha, so I've heard! I have only done it on mannequins so far, I'm going to be doing them on actual patients around January or so.

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    • Author
    Did my first female foley today. Lots of light and get in there is all I can say. ;)

    Thank you. :) I am nervous but I know I will get through it when the time comes. Your advice helps greatly!

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    • Author
    It can be more difficult with women but not always. If at all possible, ask a second person to help so you have an extra set of hands, especially handy if pt is extra large or confused. Also putting pt in slight trendelenburg makes everything kind of "fall in place" & makes for easier visualization.[/quote']

    Thank you for the help. :)

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