Indications for catheterisation and catheter selection

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Assessing urinary incontinence
3. Indications for Catheterisation
   1. Contra-indications to catheterisation
4. Catheter Selection
   1. Intermittent versus Indwellling?
   2. Catheter Size
   3. Balloon Size
   4. Catheter Length
   5. Charrière size
5. Catheter Material
6. Summary
7. References

Catheter Material

Catheters are made of three base materials: latex, silicone or PVC. The material and their coatings influence the length of time a catheter may remain in situ (Table 1). Any patient who has any history of a latex allergy must always be catheterised with a 100% silicone +/- a hydrogel coating as the coatings on a latex catheter are insufficient to protect the patient from developing a reaction to the latex (Woodward, 1997).

Table 1: Catheter materials and duration of insertion

Task 15

1

How long can a short-term catheter normally remain in situ? Choose one option and then select Check answer a) Up to ten days b) Up to three weeks c) Up to five weeks d) Up to ten weeks e) Up to twelve weeks Yes, a short term catheter can normally remain in situ up to three weeks. It is worth noting, however that different manufacturers may produce different guidelines, so the manufacturers' instructions should always be consulted.A short term catheter can normally remain in situ up to three weeks. It is worth noting, however that different manufacturers may produce different guidelines, so the manufacturers' instructions should always be consulted.Your answer has been saved.

Task 16

2

How long can a long-term catheter normally remain in situ? Choose one option and then select Check answer a) Up to ten days b) Up to three weeks c) Up to five weeks d) Up to ten weeks e) Up to twelve weeks Yes, a long term catheter can normally remain in situ up to twelve weeks.A long term catheter can normally remain in situ up to twelve weeks.Your answer has been saved.