Paediatrics: Urethral bladder catheterization

Urethral bladder catheterization

Indications

This procedure is used for bladder decompression, e.g. potential obstruc-tion, accurate measurement of urine output, and collection of urine for bacteriological investigation in suspected urinary tract infection.

Equipment

•   3–8Fr urinary catheter (depending on child’s size).

•   Anaesthetic lubricating gel, e.g. 0.1% lidocaine gel.

•   Water-based antiseptic solution, e.g. 0.5% chlorhexidine.

•   Sterile urine sample container.

•   Sterile gloves and adhesive tape.

Procedure

•   Lay child in supine position with hips abducted, with an assistant holding the child.

•   Clean penile tip or vulval area with antiseptic solution.

•   Apply anaesthetic lubricating gel to catheter tip and urethral opening.

•   Partially withdraw foreskin in males. Part the labia in females.

•   Insert and advance catheter into urethra in a posterior manner until urine is obtained, indicating that the bladder has been entered.

•   Once in the bladder, inflate the catheter balloon with saline if the catheter is intended to be indwelling.

•   Use adhesive tape to secure the catheter to the thigh.

•   Connect catheter to the urine collection bag or aspirate urine for analysis.