problems with urinary catheters

Specialties Med-Surg

Published

I am a new nurse and I have really hard time with urinary catheters. Even on males I always get stuck on the prostate. Does anyone out there have any advice? Thank you :-)

Specializes in Critical Care.

Coude' tip catheters are designed specifically for getting around the prostate.

Specializes in CICU.
Coude' tip catheters are designed specifically for getting around the prostate.

I prefer to go through it.

Specializes in CICU.

In all seriousness, I was terrible at first. Now, with oodles of practice I rarely have a problem. When I do, it is with females.

Can't really explain my technique. Kind of like IV starts, I think there is a "feel" to it.

If you are getting hung up on prostate, lay pt flat, hold member at 90 degree angle, have pt take slow, deep breaths. I always tell them "smell the roses, blow out the candles".. 9/10 times it will slide right in. I always insert catheter all the way in, inflate balloon, then slowly pull back until you meet resistance and VOILA!! you've struck gold! (If 90 degrees doesn't work, try 45 degrees) I have never had to go to a coude, I have probably put in over 1,000 F/C and the only time I have ever had any problem ended up urology had to come in and surgically place Foley... women, do what you have to do to get a good visual, if impossible to get a visual... I cross my fingers, aim, and dive right in... if you miss, always make sure you have brought an extra Foley so you don't

Reinsert a contaminated catheter... I've even gone as far as having two ppl hold legs open and I get help lifting labia. Most problems with women come from the obese pt... that's all i got, i hope this helps, good luck!

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