d. Catheterize the Female Patient.
(1) To expose the meatus, place the thumb and forefinger of the
nondominant hand between the labia minora. Spread and separate upward. Consider
the gloved hand that has touched the patient to be contaminated (figure 4-4).
Figure 4-4. Expose the meatus.
(2)
Maintain the position of the contaminated hand until urine is flowing.
(3) Pick up the forceps and secure a cotton ball saturated with antiseptic
solution--use one cotton ball for each stroke.
(4) Bring the cotton ball down the center over the meatus towards the
rectum; next cleanse each lateral area from superior to inferior.
(5)
Deposit used cotton balls onto plastic cover.
(6) To insert a catheter into a female with sterile gloves pick up catheter and
insert through urinary meatus 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm). DO NOT FORCE ENTRY OF
THE CATHETER. Discontinue the treatment if the patient has unusual discomfort or if
there is continual resistance to the insertion of the catheter. Report the information
promptly.
(7)
When urine flows, place end of catheter in specimen cup.
(8)
Place lid on urine cup and label; clean up supplies.
(9)
Send specimen to lab with requisition and document the procedure.
MD0556
4-5