catheter two

Question 1

Catheter lengths
■ Standard
■ Female
■ Paediatric

Answer 1

40–44 cm
23–26 cm
30 cm

Question 2

Standard length is appropriate for

Answer 2

immobile female patients

but should always be used in male patients.

Question 3

Insertion risks

Answer 3

60% of healthcare-associated infections are related to

catheter insertion

Question 4

Guidance for catheter insertion

Answer 4

■ Assess the need for catheterisation; avoid if possible and consider alternatives
■ Ensure professionals are trained and competent in procedure
■ Document the reason for insertion, the continuing need and/or date of removal
■ Catheterisation is an aseptic procedure, which includes personal protective
equipment
■ Clean urethral meatus before insertion with appropriate fluid, e.g. sterile normal
saline (check local policy) using correct wiping technique (there is no evidence of an
advantage in using aseptic preparations)
■ Use an appropriate lubricant from a single-use container to minimise urethral
trauma/infection (see local policy)
■ Selection of catheters—smallest gauge that will allow free drainage, material will
depend on patient assessment and duration of catheterisation (Table 1)
■ Select drainage option—sterile closed urinary system or catheter valve

Question 5

Catheter insertion quick tips

Answer 5

■ Be competent in the skill of insertion
■ Assess the reason for catheterisation
■ Be aware of length of time catheter required and remove as soon as possible
■ Be aware of any allergies, e.g., latex
■ Use smallest appropriate Ch to promote free drainage
■ Use balloon no larger than 10 ml unless for heamostatis in post-urological procedure
(EAUN, 2012)
■ Use standard length for all males and immobile females
■ Document all information relating to catheter selection/insertion

Question 6

Lifespan of indwelling urinary catheters and recommended 
Charriere sizes
Short term
Medium term
Long term

Answer 6

left in situ for up to 7 days- Catheter (PVC), specialised catheters
left in situ for up to 28 days - Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silver alloy, hydrogel, nitrofurazone impregnated
Long term Up to a maximum of
12 weeks
Silicone–elastomer, Hydrogel, All
silicone, All silicone with open tip and
integral balloon, Dover silver catheter

Question 7

Drainage devices

Choice of device will be based on:

Answer 7

■ Patient choice
■ Required bag capacity
■ Tube length required
■ Tap design
■ Placement and ease of use for individual based on dexterity, 
mobility and cognitive ability
■ Bladder capacity for catheter valves (

Question 8

It is imperative that drainage bags are

Answer 8

sterile and kept as a closed
system and the bag is changed in line with the manufacturer’s
recommendations usually every 5–7 days.

Question 9

Catheter valves

Answer 9

offer patients comfort, independence and a convenient way to manage their catheter
ot suitable for all patients and certain factors should
be considered when advising or selecting a valve. These include
the individual’s cognitive ability to understand bladder function,
manual dexterity to manipulate the valve, bladder sensation to
avoid over distention of the bladder, mobility and bladder capacity.
The same precautions should be taken as when changing a
valve for drainage bags, which is recommended every 5–7 days

Question 10

Hand hygiene and manipulation

Answer 10

Decontaminate hands and wear a new pair of
clean non-sterile gloves before manipulating
each patient’s catheter. Decontaminate hands
immediately following the removal of gloves.’

Question 11

Emptying the bag

Answer 11

Drainage bags should always be positioned below the bladder
and should be secured either by retaining straps or a supporting
system.
be emptied when three-quarters full.