4-6.
OBTAIN A SPECIMEN
If ordered to obtain a specimen, follow this procedure:
a. Place the specimen container in the collection basin.
b. Pinch the catheter with your nondominant hand.
c. Pick up the drainage end of the catheter and hold it over the specimen
container.
d. Unclamp your fingers and allow approximately 30 cc of urine to drain into the
container.
e. Re-pinch the catheter and place the drainage end into the collection basin.
f. Allow the urine flow to resume.
g. Place the specimen container on the table and replace the lid.
4-7.
INDWELLING CATHETER
An indwelling (retention) catheter is ordered to permit continued drainage of the
urinary bladder without repeated catheterization. The catheter commonly used is a
self-retaining urethral catheter (Foley type). This catheter has a double lumen, with one
opening for drainage and the other for inflation of the retention device (a small balloon
at the tip of the catheter). After insertion of an indwelling catheter, perform these steps:
a. Inflate the balloon with the proper amount of solution from the syringe.
b. Tug gently on the catheter to make sure the balloon is inflated sufficiently to
retain the catheter in place.
c. Attach drainage tubing from the collection system to the catheter without
contaminating either. (With a commercially prepared catheterization set, the catheter
comes connected to the collection system.)
d. The patient's facial expression is a good indication of whether or not balloon
was inflated within the urethra.
MD0579
4-9