To guide product selection, refer to Best Practice Guidelines and NSWOC Decision Aids. Consider important factors like catheter size, material, tip/end, change frequency and troubleshooting, and latex allergies.
Select appropriately sized catheter based on clinical need:
Common adult range: 14 to 18 French.
For gross hematuria: Select catheter 20-30 French.
For prostatic obstruction: Select Coudé-tipped catheter 18 French or larger.
Indwelling catheter insertion tray (e.g., all-in-one catheterization kit, with a “closed or pre-connected, sealed catheter-tubing junction system” (SUNA, 2021) is preferred.
Specialty catheters (e.g. Coudé) and suprapubic require additional competency requirements.
Coudé/Tiemann/curved/rounded/olive curve helps passage around enlarged prostate or urethral stricture. Consider using in instances of pelvic organ prolapse or certain instances of retracted urethral meatus with severe atrophy.
Assess for signs/symptoms of catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) and, if present, report promptly to Most Responsible Health Care Provider.
Every effort should be made to minimize the use of catheters in order to prevent CAUTI.
All indwelling catheters are changed:
as per manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU), or
at least every four weeks or as needed (Werneburg, 2022), or,
when clinically indicated (e.g. catheter is blocked, urine bypassing, or to collect a urine sample).
Secure catheter to upper thigh in patients with vulvar anatomy.
Secure catheter to upper thigh or abdomen in patients with penile anatomy. Make sure the penis is straight and that there is no tension on the catheter during securement. This action helps to reduce the risk of urethral irritation and erosion.
Change urinary collection bags with urinary catheter change and as needed.
