Urinary Catheterization Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Urinary Catheterization flashcards as text
What does the acronym CAUTI stand for?
Answer: Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection
CAUTI stands for Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection, one of the most common healthcare-associated infections that catheterization aims to prevent.
Which of the following is a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in a catheterized patient?
Answer: Cloudy, foul-smelling urine with patient complaints of burning
Cloudy, foul-smelling urine combined with patient discomfort are classic signs of a UTI, which must be reported to the nurse immediately.
How often should the urinary drainage bag typically be emptied?
Answer: Every 8 hours or when two-thirds full, whichever comes first
The drainage bag should be emptied every 8 hours or when two-thirds full to prevent overfilling, backflow, and infection risk.
How far should a catheter typically be inserted into a female patient before inflating the balloon?
Answer: 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) or until urine flows, then 1 inch more
In females, the catheter is inserted 3–4 inches until urine begins to flow, then advanced 1 additional inch to ensure the balloon is fully inside the bladder before inflation.
Where should the catheter tubing be secured after insertion?
Answer: To the patient's inner thigh using a catheter securement device
Securing the catheter to the inner thigh prevents tension and traction on the urethra, reducing the risk of trauma and dislodgement.
What is the maximum volume of urine that should be drained at one time during initial catheterization of a patient with urinary retention?
Answer: 1,000 mL, then clamp if ordered by the nurse/provider
Draining more than 1,000 mL at once from an over-distended bladder can cause hypotension and bleeding; the catheter may be clamped after 1,000 mL per provider order.
What type of catheter is used for intermittent (in-and-out) catheterization?
Answer: Straight (Robinson) catheter without a balloon
A straight (Robinson) catheter has no balloon and is inserted to drain urine and then immediately removed, making it appropriate for intermittent catheterization.