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The Basic Facts about Urinary Catheters

By: Kyle Jindel

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Urinary catheters strike anxiousness and dread to the heart of most medical patients who haven't ever been cathed before, but once a catheter is used many of these concerns are alleviated with more understanding of catheters. Here are some questions and answers about urinary catheters to clear up any misunderstandings :

Q: What's a catheter?
A: A catheter is a thin sterilized tube built to drain urine by inserting it in the urethra and into the bladder. The urine comes out into a urine bag that may either be stationary or strapped to the leg. There are plenty of types of catheters which we'll discuss later.

Q: What kinds of catheters are there?
The sort of catheter used depends a lot on the individual; such as explanations for the incontinence or why the catheter is required, as well as someone's sex and biology. A Foley catheter has a balloon on the tip that is inflated after the catheter is inserted to hold it into place. A male external catheter adheres to the outside of the male unit, permitting the urine to flow into the bag very similar to an internal catheter. There are also coude tip catheters, which have a little curved tip for more comfort.

Q: I am frightened it'll be painful. How distressingis it to be cathed?
A: Urinary catheterization may cause some slight pain, especially for the first timer, but most individuals who unconsciously cathed typically wake up unaware a catheter has been placed inside. Removing the catheter can bring some pain but incredibly brings no major pain. The portion of the catheter that goes into the bladder is relatively thin, even thinner than the tubes, making it less possible to experience any pain while the catheter is in place.

When inserted, you'll have the sensation to urinate since the catheter puts added pressure against the bladder. This is normal; just relax and the urine will flow through the tube and into the bag.

Q : What materials are catheters made of?
A : Catheters are most commonly made from latex, silicone, rubber, or a combination of these materials.

Q : What keeps a catheter staying in place?
A : A Foley catheter has a tiny inflatable balloon that is inflated once the catheter is placed in the bladder. Sterile water is used to fill this balloon with a syringe through another hole on tip of the catheter. This small balloon keeps the catheter in place.

Q : Is it OK if I‘m mobile, or is this problematic?
A : Talk with your physician if you should be mobile. Your health condition, catheter or not, should be discussed with a health professional so you don't cause more damage. But speaking specifically about catheters, it’s generally completely ok to move around, participate in physical therapy, sitting / standing, and other basic mobility.

Q : Is it distressing to leave the catheter inside of me, or urine flow?
A : With the tube in effect you almost certainly will not even notice urine flow from the bladder. It's not uncommon to have some discomfort from having a catheter in place, of course, it is a tube that may get tugged on from time to time. This tugging can be minimized with taping the external end of the catheter to the leg with a little wiggle room for shifting.

Q: What's the process of catheterization?
A: If you are getting a catheter inserted by a nurse, you may remove your underwear and lay on your back. The nurse should clean their hands and wear 2 sterile gloves and use a new sterile catheter kit. They will swab the area and slide the catheter tip into the urethra and the bladder. It's a comparatively unpleasant process and you'll feel a little different. Inhale and exhale deeply and quietly, relax the muscles and without strain the process should be quick and easy. If it's's a Foley catheter, then the nurse will hold the catheter in place and insert the syringe into the catheter port and fill the balloon with sterile water.

Q: How important is cleanliness?
A: Cleanliness is of the utmost importance when inserting and caring for a catheter. Sterile catheters should always be used, and per the directions of the catheter's packing. Re-using catheters, dirty hands, or non-sterile gloves will all increase the hazards of urinary tract infections ( UTI ). If you are self-cathing or required to maintain your catheterization yourself, you will want to guarantee the cleanest environment available and always use a new cath for each insertion.

Q: How do I care for my inserted catheter?
A: Talk with your physician or nurse if you are going to be required to clean and upkeep your own catheter. You must clean the area surrounding the catheter one or two times a day to prevent infection causing bacteria from collecting around the opening. Wipe off any discharge (this is normal) and rub the discharge away from the opening and onto the cloth. Using clean portions of the cloth, wipe downward from the opening along the catheter. Rinse the surrounding area and rub it with alcohol to exterminate any lingering bacteria.

Q: What's the reason for getting a catheter, anyway?
A: There are many medical problems requiring catheterization; some are simply from immobilization due to surgery or an accident, or illness. Often doctors also need a strictly detailed output measurement for a medical decision and will recommend catheterization for a correct reading. Some needs for catheterization are from more serious urological conditions and infections. In any state, you should always talk with your doctor to understand the explanations why you need a catheter.

Q: Any recommendation for urine bags?
A: First off, typical fluid movement applies to catheterization. The urine bag should be below your bladder. When the bag is above the bladder, the urine cannot drain into the bag. Also, if the urine bag has urine in it and it's sitting above your bladder, this urine can flow into the bladder and puts you in higher risk for infections. Letting the urine bag hold too much urine can also cause infections, so empty it often. Second, draining the leg bag should be done in either the measuring hat or the toilet, depending on your doctor's directions. There's a clip and a clamp you remove to drain the bag. After you empty the bag, put the clamp and clip back in place and be sure to swab the area with alcohol to prevent infections.

Q: Any useful facts for self catheterization?
A: You should generally be sure you have had correct materials and training to handle your own catheters. Each situation and catheter is slightly different. For instance, you should n't attempt to remove a Foley catheter without removing the water from the balloon first. You could cause significant damage to your health by doing this.

If you experience any abnormalities, like blood in the urine, Urinary Tract Infections, or anything that you're feeling is not normal, contact your doctor and / or nurse as fast as possible for help.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Kyle Jindel is a writer emphasizing home health concerns for patients, nurses, and caretakers. Visit STLMedical.com for urinary catheters from Mentor/Coloplast, Bard and more, as well as other home medical supplies.

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