July 27,2021 | Show
For our bodies to function optimally, all systems must work together to do their jobs. In most healthy adults, this happens involuntarily and without thought. When illness, injury, or chronic conditions are factored in, certain systems fail and, if not addressed, problems ensue. This is especially true when your body needs to dispense waste. If you’re unable to urinate, for whatever reason, the problem escalates quickly. Urine build-up in the bladder is not only uncomfortable, but also painful and dangerous. When you don’t urinate, the liquid can overflow and back up into your kidneys. You become more susceptible to infection and permanent damage, which will change how you live your daily life. To avoid these types of problems in those who cannot urinate on their own, catheterization is used. For a better understanding of this process, it’s essential to understand the differences between how to catheterize males and females. What Are Urinary Catheters?Urinary catheters are hollow, flexible tubes that are inserted directly into the urethra up to the bladder. The tube collects urine from the bladder as it’s formed and carries it out through the body and into a collection bag. Intermittent catheterization occurs when you insert a catheter to urinate multiple times throughout the day. In these instances, the tube may lead into a collection bag or directly into a waste bin such as a toilet or bedpan. There are many different types of urinary catheters and finding the best one for you depends on your needs. Your doctor will work with you to find the type of catheter that works for your specific condition as well as your comfort levels. If you’re going to be performing intermittent self-catheterization, make sure you communicate with your doctor regarding any allergies, limitations, and discomfort during the process. Catheters come in different types of materials such as silicone, latex, or a combination of the two and are shaped differently to aid in insertion. Some of the main types of urinary catheters include:
As with any invasive medical device, catheters pose a certain risk of complications. Make sure that you discuss these with your doctor, especially if you’re prone to urinary tract infections. To reduce the risk of complications, always perform the proper hand hygiene prior to catheterizing and take some time to understand the importance of clean intermittent self-catheterization. How to Catheterize MalesAs mentioned, self-catherization is a safe, healthy way to empty your bladder if you’re unable to do so on your own. Catheters are used for nerve damage, urinary tract issues, disease, or common urologic conditions. They’re used by millions of men every year and are the best way to prevent serious problems or damage to your surrounding organs. Due to obvious anatomical differences, the way to catheterize males is different than the way to catheterize females. If you will be receiving an indwelling or foley catheter, it will be left in your bladder for the duration of your needs. This is often both inserted and removed by your doctor, leaving the responsibility of catheterization with them. For those who will be using intermittent catheterization, you’ll need to learn how to proceed on your own. Certain catheters are single use, while others can be cleaned and reused as necessary. Your doctor will work with you to find the right products for your lifestyle and preferences. Regardless of if you utilize single-use or reusable catheters, hygiene is absolutely essential. Clean intermittent self-catheterization helps to prevent infection and long-term damage. For help with the process, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to catheterize males.
If you’re using a reusable catheter, make sure that you properly clean it after every use. Failure to do so can result in serious infections. Your doctor may give you a specific type of soap to use or recommend a household brand. If you’re using a disposable catheter, you can throw it away immediately after use. Your doctor will help you through the process of catheterization while you’re in their office or at the hospital. This will ensure that you fully understand how to perform catherization before you leave. Use this time to ask any questions or get clarifications prior to performing self-catherization at home. At any time, if you have any problems, don’t hesitate to call your doctor back. How to Catheterize FemalesFemale catheterization is done for many of the same reasons as male catheterization. However, the process of self-catheterization is a little different. To make sure that you’re emptying your bladder in a timely fashion, try to familiarize yourself with some of the signs that indicate bladder fullness. These cues can vary based on the intensity in which you need to urinate, so gaining an understanding of the initial signs is a good way to avoid complications of a bladder that’s overfilling. If you’re using self-catherization to help treat a urologic condition but feel like you can urinate on your own, try doing that first. If it doesn’t work, here’s how to catheterize females. Unless otherwise noted, the steps for female catheterization are the same as those listed for males.
While many of the steps in intermittent self-catheterization for females are similar to those used for catherization males, utilizing a comfortable position is going to make a big difference. If you have any questions or concerns, always reach out to your doctor for clarification. Finding the Right Supplies for Self-CatheterizationWhile catheterization may seem intimidating at first, the more you do it, the easier it gets. Catheterization helps to avoid problems and lifestyle disturbances from urinary retention, urinary incontinence, surgical healing, and more. It’s a way to ensure that your body is functioning it’s best, regardless of what else is happening. If you have any questions or concerns regarding catheterization, always speak to your doctor. Byram Healthcare has a range of products to help make self-catheterization at home as comfortable as possible. How many inches should an indwelling catheter be lubricated before inserting in a male patient quizlet?CORRECT. The first 5 to 7 inches of the catheter is lubricated to ease insertion.
What volume of lubricating gel should you insert into a male urethra?A total dose of 30 mL (i.e., 600 mg) is usually required to fill and dilate the male urethra. Prior to catheterization, smaller volumes of 5 to 10 mL (100 to 200 mg) are usually adequate for lubrication. Slowly instill 3 to 5 mL (60 to 100 mg of lidocaine HCl) of the jelly into the urethra.
How many inches of the catheter should you advance in male catheterization?Gently insert the catheter into the urethra opening on the penis. Move the catheter in until urine begins to flow out. Then insert it about 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) more.
Is lubricant necessary when inserting a catheter?Catheter lubricant should always be used when inserting an intermittent urinary catheter to reduce pain, discomfort, and friction. The use of lubricant to lubricate your catheter may also help reduce infections such as urinary tract infections (UTI).
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