206 chapter 25
How to put in a catheter
Health workers and parents can easily be taught to put in a catheter. With a little
practice, paraplegic and some quadriplegic children can also learn.
mirror
side view
Note: The best
catheter size is
usually from #8
or #10 for a small
child to #14 or #16
for a large child.
Children as young as age 5 can
learn to catheterize themselves.
A mirror can help girls to
find the urine hole.
Note: The great care with cleanliness shown here (boiling the catheter, wearing
gloves) is important when using a fixed (Foley) catheter. However, for periodic use
of a regular catheter, a clean rather than sterile technique is more practical (and
therefore may be safer). Wash the catheter well with clean water after each use
and keep it in a clean container. Wash your hands well before using it. See note
on p. 205.
1. If possible boil
the catheter (and
any syringe or
instrument you
may be using)
for 15 minutes,
or at least wash
them well and
keep them clean.
4. Put very clean cloths
under and around the area.
2. Bathe well
(at least daily).
Wash well under
foreskin or between
vaginal lips and
surrounding areas.
5. Put on sterile gloves—
or rub hands well with
alcohol or
surgical
soap.
3. Wash hands
with soap.
After washing
touch only things
that are sterile
or very clean.
6. Cover the catheter with a
lubricant (slippery cream)
like K-Y Jelly
that dissolves
in water (not oil
or Vaseline).
7. Pull back foreskin or open the vaginal lips,
and wipe the
urine opening
with a sterile
cotton soaked
with surgical
soap.
9. Push the catheter in
until urine starts coming
out—then 3 cm. more.
10A. If using a regular
catheter, each time
you pee tighten your
stomach muscles or
gently massage the
lower belly to empty
all urine. Then take
out the catheter, wash
it well, boil it, and
store it in a clean
jar or towel.
8. Holding the lips open or the foreskin back,
gently put the catheter into the urine hole.
Twist it as necessary but DO NOT FORCE IT.
Hold the penis straight
at this angle.
10B. If using a Foley (permanent) catheter,
inject 5 cc. of sterile water into the
little tube, to fill the balloon (or up
to 10 cc. if it is a 30 cc. Foley), and
connect the bigger tube to the collection
tube or leg bag.
Change the catheter every
2 weeks (or more often if
there is an infection).
To avoid infections when using a catheter, it is important to be very
clean and to use only a catheter that is sterile, boiled, or very clean.
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