Overview

Urinary Catheterization is a procedure used to insert a catheter into the bladder for drainage of urine or measurement of urine output.

Urinary catheterization is crucial for managing urinary retention, monitoring urine output in critically ill patients, and relieving bladder obstruction.

Learn more in our comprehensive RxDx Medicine Course

Indications

✓
Urinary Retention

Inability to void

✓
Urine Output Monitoring

Critical care patients

✓
Bladder Obstruction

Prostate enlargement

✓
Surgery

Perioperative management

✓
Incontinence

Severe cases

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

✗ Patient refusal
✗ Urethral trauma
✗ Recent urethral surgery

Relative Contraindications

✗ UTI
✗ Prostate cancer
✗ Stricture

📋 Equipment Checklist

Check off items as you gather them:

Pre-procedure Preparation

Preparation includes patient consent, sterile technique, equipment setup, and understanding contraindications.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Patient Preparation

Explain procedure, obtain consent, position patient.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Inadequate consent
  • Poor positioning

💡 Pro Tip:

Position patient supine with legs apart.

Step 2: Sterile Preparation

Prep and drape sterile field.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Inadequate prep
  • Contamination

💡 Pro Tip:

Use strict sterile technique.

Step 3: Genital Cleaning

Clean genital area with antiseptic.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Inadequate cleaning
  • Wrong technique

💡 Pro Tip:

Clean from meatus outward.

Step 4: Catheter Lubrication

Lubricate catheter tip.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Inadequate lubrication
  • Wrong lubricant

💡 Pro Tip:

Use water-soluble lubricant.

Step 5: Catheter Insertion

Insert catheter with proper technique.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Wrong angle
  • Force

💡 Pro Tip:

Use gentle technique.

Step 6: Balloon Inflation

Inflate balloon and secure catheter.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Wrong inflation
  • Poor securing

💡 Pro Tip:

Inflate balloon with sterile water.

Master Foley with RxDx

Access 100+ procedure videos and expert guidance with the RxDx app

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store

Post-procedure Care

Post-procedure care involves monitoring for complications, catheter maintenance, and removal when appropriate.

Complications & Management

Complication Incidence Signs Management Prevention
UTI 10-30% Fever, dysuria Antibiotics Sterile technique
Urethral trauma 1-3% Bleeding, pain Removal, urology consult Gentle technique
Bladder spasm 5-10% Pain, urgency Anticholinergics Proper sizing
Blockage 2-5% No urine output Irrigation, replacement Adequate hydration

Clinical Pearls

💡

Use appropriate catheter size.

🎯

Use strict sterile technique.

⚡

Lubricate catheter adequately.

🔍

Confirm proper placement.

📊

Secure catheter properly.

🎨

Monitor for complications.

⚠️

Remove when no longer needed.