How To Insert a Catheter Female Patient

Many Canadian women suffer from diseases related to the genitourinary system, so the question is acute for them - how to insert a female catheter? The reasons may be different: postoperative period, natural aging, chronic diseases. In our article we will tell you how to perform catheterization without compromising your health.

What is catheterization

Catheterization is a procedure to insert a tube into the bladder to remove fluid. It is necessary in the following situations:

the occurrence of acute or chronic diseases related to emptying;
If pelvic surgery is to be performed;
if it is necessary to take tests for a thorough examination of bladder function;
if medications are to be administered through the urinary tract.

Possible complications of catheterization

If the catheter is inserted incorrectly, women may experience complications in the form of:

redness, itching and burning in the genitals;
discomfort on movement;
painful symptoms in the lower abdomen.

It is important to follow all the recommendations of your doctor when inserting the catheter.

Step-by-step instructions for inserting a catheter in women

Catheterization is recommended in the clinic under the supervision of a doctor, but in some cases, patients can insert the catheter themselves. To do this, it is necessary to assess all the risks of the procedure, which consists of several steps described below.

Preparation for the procedure

The insertion of a Foley catheter in women is a skilled procedure and nurses should know the following points before performing it:

anatomy and physiology of the female urinary tract;
national and regional policies regarding catheterization;
indications for catheterization, knowledge of the subtleties of the procedure and possible complications;
rules for providing care and support to the patient, including ensuring complete confidentiality;
knowledge of infection prevention and control.

A catheter is usually inserted into women by nurses who have the skills, knowledge and competence to do so.

Catheter selection

Foley catheters, which have a special self-retaining balloon, are used for continuous use. In order to choose the right product, the following factors must be considered:

duration of use;
the type of material from which the catheter is made;
the length, diameter and volume of the balloon.

For example, if you plan to use the catheter for less than 28 days, you should choose a product made of polytetrafluoroethylene or silver alloy. Latex catheters should be purchased if the patient is not allergic to this material. For longer-term use, catheters made of silicone or precoated with hydrogel are suitable.

The length can be chosen based on the structure and mobility of the woman. If she has an active lifestyle, female catheters should be chosen. These products are less visible under clothing and do not restrict movement. Standard length catheters are suitable for sedentary patients and women who are overweight.

The balloon is usually available in a standard volume of 10 ml. It is filled with sterile water. In some cases, manufacturers add a syringe with glycerin or water to fill the balloon.

How a female catheterization takes place

Before starting the procedure, all the risks and benefits should be discussed with the patient. Her consent should be documented. Ask the woman about allergic reactions to anesthetics and gels. Make sure that the room is completely isolated from prying eyes and no one will disturb you.

Prepare the work surface and the couch. Your hands should be washed thoroughly beforehand. The following sterile items and equipment will be required for the procedure:

gloves, clean towels and wipes;
cleaning fluid and antiseptic gel;
an appropriate catheter and drainage system;
disposable syringe and sterile water;
sterile disposable apron;
urine receptacle and hygienic tampons.

All these items should be prepared and laid out on a cart. It should be brought to the patient's couch. Help her remove her clothes so that they do not interfere with the catheterization. It is also advisable to use a protective covering for the bed linen to keep it dry. After all the preparations, proceed with the procedure, following step by step:

Lay the woman on her back. Her legs should be bent and apart at the knees.
Thoroughly treat your hands with antiseptic, dry them. Put on a disposable apron. Open the catheterization bag, following the instructions for aseptic non-contact technique. Leave the catheter in the bag, covering it with a tissue. This will help protect the product from environmental contamination.
Wear sterile gloves and place a clean towel under the patient's buttocks.
Using sterile swabs, move the labia out to the sides so that the urethral opening can be seen. Clean the genital surfaces with 0.9% sodium chloride solution. To do this, use single strokes from top to bottom, moving toward the anus. This way you reduce the risk of spreading infection.
Remove the cap from the tube of gel and insert the nozzle into the urethra. Squeeze out the gel, remove the nozzle and throw it away. If an anesthetic gel is used, you must wait a few minutes for it to work. If you use a water-based gel, you can immediately proceed with the further procedure. Wipe off excess lubricant with sterile tissues.
Remove the gloves, wash and dry your hands. Put on new disposable gloves.
Place the receiver and catheter packaged between the patient's legs on a towel. The labia should be spread apart. Insert the tip of the catheter into the opening of the urethra, moving slightly up and back. The catheter is inserted 5-6 cm. The length and direction of the product directly depend on the peculiarities of the structure of the female urogenital tract. If the patient experiences painful sensations and discomfort during the procedure, you should immediately stop the insertion and seek help from your doctor.
As soon as urine begins to flow into the receiver, insert the catheter to the bifurcation point to make sure the balloon is in the bladder. The procedure to inflate the balloon is painful. It should be inflated with 10 ml of sterile water or a special solution. If the catheter already comes with a filled balloon, you must remove the clip and gently press on the liquid reservoir.
Once the balloon is filled, you should gently pull on the catheter to make sure it is in the bladder and securely locked in place.
Attach the drainage system to the catheter. Make sure that the joints do not leak. There should be no wet spots left on the bed.

Complete the procedure: help the patient get dressed and dispose of all used instruments according to local regulations. Make sure the woman feels comfortable. Talk about the care of the catheter and drainage system.

Documentation of catheterization

During the procedure, the nurse is sure to record the details of catheter insertion in the woman's personal chart. The following information should be documented:

the reason for inserting the catheter;
date and time of the procedure;
length and type of catheter;
size and volume of the balloon;
information about the manufacturer of the product;
information about the solution and lubricant used;
possible problems during the procedure;
date of removal.

The first time the catheter is inserted, the nurse should record and measure the urine volume to check the kidney and urinary system. This information will keep the disease under control.

To summarize, we can conclude: catheterization in women is a rather intimate procedure. If it is impossible to perform it yourself, make an appointment with the attending physician. He will be able to recommend a nurse and explain all the details. Remember - inserting a catheter must be supervised by a medical professional! Otherwise, you could hurt yourself, get an infection, and cause discomfort. Take catheterization seriously and always consult your doctor!