(2)
Patient education about the procedure.
c. Nursing implications.
(1) The patient will experience some burning and passage of blood when
urinating following the procedure. This is due to irritation of the mucous membrane.
(2) If urinary retention occurs, it may be necessary to insert an indwelling
catheter (on physician's order only).
Section III. CATHETERIZATION AND DRAINAGE
2-15. INTRODUCTION
Catheterization is the procedure of introducing a catheter through the urethra into
the urinary bladder. The procedure may be ordered by the physician for any of the
following reasons:
a. To relieve distention of the bladder due to inability to void. Distention is
caused by retention of urine. Retention can occur with cystitis (inflammation of the
bladder), with paralysis, or following surgical procedures.
b. To obtain a sterile specimen of urine for laboratory analysis and culture.
c. To determine residual urine. (Residual urine is defined as that amount of
urine remaining in the bladder after voiding.)
d. To provide continuous drainage of the bladder.
e. To irrigate or instill liquid medications into the bladder. Medications and fluids
for irrigation are prescribed by the physician.
2-16. GENERAL NURSING IMPLICATIONS
Because both the bladder and the urethra are easily injured and highly
susceptible to infection, it is important to stress several precautions in the performance
of the procedure.
a. Aseptic Technique. Each catheterization is a potential source of infection if
not carried out properly. Most cases of cystitis and other urinary tract infections, which
develop after catheterization, are usually caused by improper technique.
b. Lubricated Catheter. The catheter must be well lubricated prior to insertion
to reduce friction and trauma to the mucous membrane lining of the urethra and the
bladder. The disposable catheterization kits used today contain sufficient lubricant
within the kit.
MED918
2-14