b. Number 14 Fr. and 16 Fr. are used for female adults.
c. Number 20 Fr. and 22 Fr. are usually used for male adults.
3-4.
TYPES OF URINARY CATHETERS
The catheters most commonly used are made of plastic. Each type of catheter
(figure 3-1) has a rounded tip to prevent injury to the meatus or the urethra. The Foley
catheter is frequently used. It is usually inserted by the nurse. The Malecot four-wing
catheter and the dePezzer mushroom catheter are inserted by the urologist using a
stylet. The stylet is removed after the catheter has been inserted. Because they are
very difficult to sterilize, catheters should be considered disposable and discarded after
they have been removed.
Figure 3-1. Urinary catheters.
a. Intermittent Catheter. An intermittent catheter is used to drain the bladder
for short periods (5-10 minutes). It may be inserted by the patient.
MD0906
3-3