urinary catheterization

[jeilers10]

Hi, first year nursing student and I'm working on a project. I have a patient that has lower extremity contractures and I need to insert an indwelling catheter. How what I deal with the lower extremity contractures while cathing in order to stay sterile? Have someone hold the legs in the correct position?

[SaoirseRN]

Male or female? What are some ideas you've come up with?

[NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN]

Yes, first tell us what you have thought of so we can point you in the right direction.

[jeilers10]

Female, 90yo

I was thinking having assistance with pulling her legs apart. Or turn her on side and put pillow between legs

[loriangel14, RN]

Putting it in with them laying on their side is sometimes a good option.

[NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN]

I've also had them on their back and come up from under their legs, but you have to be more careful of your sterile field.

[SaoirseRN]

With bad contractures, I would try the side-lying position, particularly since it might be quite uncomfortable to have their legs held apart and the person helping is likely to end up in the way.

[SaoirseRN]

I've also had them on their back and come up from under their legs but you have to be more careful of your sterile field.[/quote']

To help this position, turn a slipper bedpan upside down and use it as a wedge under their bottom. Gives you more room to move and see.

[MidnightTang]

I agree with others that the sidelying position is best with severe contractures. Easier to keep a sterile field and it's much more comfortable than trying to pry open legs.