Foley Catheters and Doctors

[Otterina]

I was reading a few articles directed towards patients and what to expect when getting a catheter. I was wondering if it was painful for them to receive a catheter after watching a video done on a dummy by a nurse. Anywho, every article I found that was directed towards the patient referred to the doctor as the one doing the catheter and no mention of nurses. I was under the impression that this task was primarily handled by nurses. How often do doctors insert them? Just curious...I haven't started school yet and I have tons of questions. :redbeathe

It looks painful. xD

[grandkids4]

I have never seen a doctor put in a foley unless it is something complicated like an enlarged prostate of domething like that.

They don't really hurt if they are put in right, but can be uncomfortable, but it's usually quick.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Bhaaaawaaaaa....they go on TV. That and sometimes the urologist will insert for prostate problems.

First hand....I have a new respect for the pt when I am inserting. A lot of us who have had children have been cathed before. If you are lucky...they do it after the epidural. Not always the case.

First hand...I though it burned a bit. It really does help to deep breath and try to relax (ha, ha) and lubrication is key.

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

I have never seen a Dr put one in and I have never really had any one grimmace when I did. I think the thought of it for men is kind of scary but the actual process itself is not that bad...

Good luck in school!!!

[TopazLover, BSN, RN]

Most only are burning and uncomf. during insertion. Sometimes a catheter too large is used and this can cause many problems. I have seen this happen.

Why do we just automatically grab a 16g for adults? i don't know. I think I was taught that, but why?

[EDTECHstudying4RN]

In the ED where I work the only time a Doc will insert a Foley is when there are prostate issues. As a ED Tech I do A TON of catheters - the nurses only do them when a Tech is not available.

[Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN]

I have never seen a doctor do a foley before but i would imagine that a urologist would do it for enlarged prostate

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

During my hospital stay last month, an indwelling catheter was inserted into me (by a nurse, of course). Since my urethra is easy to visualize, the process wasn't painful. I have never seen a doctor insert a catheter, except on TV. The doctor is typically giving me orders to insert a catheter.

However, some men experience discomfort since their urethras are much longer than the female urethra.

[lakec4me]

I agree - placing a foley or straight is usually a nursing task. However, in OB world, I have seen many physicians straight cath a patient just prior to delivery.

[cherrybreeze, ADN, RN]

My floor is med/surg and urology, and occasionally we will have to have a uro insert a foley if we are unable to. Doesn't happen often, though.

There can be some burning/pressure with insertion. I have a bladder condition and was cathing at home (to instill meds directly in) so I have new found empathy for the patients I have to cath!

[Otterina]

Thanks for the responses everyone! That's what I originally thought. I've also been wondering why they don't just call them appointments with a nurse where you might see the doctor at the end. I'll think about that next time I have a "doctor's" appointment. :chuckle

[queenjean]

We use lidocaine jelly as lube if there is no allergy. Helps with the burning. I typically am inserting caths on the elderly, and in all likelihood there are some prostrate issues in the males. Women are not as difficult typically, except that as we age, our bodies don't assume that position with ease anymore.

I've never seen a doc insert a cath. The one time I couldn't get one in, it was 3am and the doc said "Well, his bladder isn't going to burst before 7. Call a urologist if he hasn't voided by then." So I know the urologist will come in to insert one, I've just never seen it done.